Widening use of dexamethasone implant for the treatment of macular edema

Sustained-release intravitreal 0.7 mg dexamethasone (DEX) implant is approved in Europe for the treatment of macular edema related to diabetic retinopathy, branch retinal vein occlusion, central retinal vein occlusion, and non-infectious uveitis. The implant is formulated in a biodegradable copolymer to release the active ingredient within the vitreous chamber for up to 6 months after an intravitreal injection, allowing a prolonged interval of efficacy between injections with a good safety profile. Various other ocular pathologies with inflammatory etio­pathogeneses associated with macular edema have been treated by DEX implant, including neovascular age-related macular degeneration, Irvine–Gass syndrome, vasoproliferative retinal tumors, retinal telangiectasia, Coats’ disease, radiation maculopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and macular edema secondary to scleral buckling and pars plana vitrectomy. We undertook a review to provide a comprehensive collection of all of the diseases that benefit from the use of the sustained-release DEX implant, alone or in combination with concomitant therapies. A MEDLINE search revealed lack of randomized controlled trials related to these indications. Therefore we included and analyzed all available studies (retrospective and prospective, com­parative and non-comparative, randomized and nonrandomized, single center and multicenter, and case report). There are reports in the literature of the use of DEX implant across a range of macular edema-related pathologies, with their clinical experience supporting the use of DEX implant on a case-by-case basis with the aim of improving patient outcomes in many macular pathologies. As many of the reported macular pathologies are difficult to treat, a new treat­ment option that has a beneficial influence on the clinical course of the disease may be useful in clinical practice

Synthesis, molecular modeling and biological evaluation of two new chicoric acid analogs

Two conformationally constrained compounds similar to chicoric acid but lacking the catechol and carboxyl groups were prepared. In these analogues, the single bond between the two caffeoyl fragments has been replaced with a chiral oxirane ring and both aromatic residues modified protecting completely or partially the catechol moiety as methyl ether. Preliminary molecular modelling studies carried out on the two analogues showed interactions near the active site of HIV integrase; however, in comparison with raltegravir, the biological evaluation confirmed that CAA-1 and CAA-2 were unable to inhibit infection at lower concentration

C60_{60} in intense femtosecond laser pulses: nonlinear dipole response and ionization

We study the interaction of strong femtosecond laser pulses with the C$_{60}$ molecule employing time-dependent density functional theory with the ionic background treated in a jellium approximation. The laser intensities considered are below the threshold of strong fragmentation but too high for perturbative treatments such as linear response. The nonlinear response of the model to excitations by short pulses of frequencies up to 45eV is presented and analyzed with the help of Kohn-Sham orbital resolved dipole spectra. In femtosecond laser pulses of 800nm wavelength ionization is found to occur multiphoton-like rather than via excitation of a ``giant'' resonance.Comment: 14 pages, including 1 table, 5 figure

Techno-economic assessment of two novel feeding systems for a dry-feed gasifier in an IGCC plant with Pd-membranes for CO2 capture

This study focuses on the application of Pd-based membranes for CO[subscript 2] capture in coal fueled power plants. In particular, membranes are applied to Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle with two innovative feeding systems. In the first feeding system investigated, CO[subscript 2] is used both as fuel carrier and back-flushing gas for the candle filters, while in the second case N[subscript 2] is the fuel carrier, and CO[subscript 2] the back-flushing gas. The latter is investigated because current dry feed technology vents about half of the fuel carrier, which is detrimental for the CO[subscript 2] avoidance in the CO[subscript 2] case. The hydrogen separation is performed in membrane modules arranged in series; consistently with the IGCC plant layout, most of the hydrogen is separated at the pressure required to fuel the gas turbine. Furthermore, about 10% of the overall hydrogen permeated is separated at ambient pressure and used to post-fire the heat recovery steam generator. This layout significantly reduces membrane surface area while keeping low efficiency penalties. The resulting net electric efficiency is higher for both feeding systems, about 39%, compared to 36% of the reference Selexol-based capture plant. The CO[subscript 2] avoidance depends on the type of feeding system adopted, and its amount of vented gas; it ranges from 60% to 98%. From the economic point of view, membrane costs are significant and shares about 20% of the overall plant cost. This leads in the more optimistic case to a CO[subscript 2] avoidance cost of 35 €/t[subscript CO2], which is slightly lower than the reference case.Seventh Framework Programme (European Commission) (Grant agreement no. 241342

Dynamical ionization ignition of clusters in intense and short laser pulses

The electron dynamics of rare gas clusters in laser fields is investigated quantum mechanically by means of time-dependent density functional theory. The mechanism of early inner and outer ionization is revealed. The formation of an electron wave packet inside the cluster shortly after the first removal of a small amount of electron density is observed. By collisions with the cluster boundary the wave packet oscillation is driven into resonance with the laser field, hence leading to higher absorption of laser energy. Inner ionization is increased because the electric field of the bouncing electron wave packet adds up constructively to the laser field. The fastest electrons in the wave packet escape from the cluster as a whole so that outer ionization is increased as well.Comment: 8 pages, revtex4, PDF-file with high resolution figures is available from http://mitarbeiter.mbi-berlin.de/bauer/publist.html, publication no. 24. Accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Integrating maintenance and energy problems through a Digital Twin-based decision support framework under the guidance of Asset Management

In a world where more than one third of the global energy consumption is directed to the industry sector, manufacturing companies must overhaul their business processes to move towards the improvement of sustainable performance. This work aims to contribute to this direction by integrating maintenance and energy problems through a Digital Twin-based decision support framework under the guiding role of Asset Management. The framework is meant as guideline for manufacturing companies to manage the integrated decision-making process and the related information flows and functional blocks. Maintenance or energy policies should consider both maintenance and energy objectives, handling the complexity and knowledge required for such an integration. A focus is given to the maintenance policy setting at the current release of the framework. This latter is tested and validated by an initial proof in a laboratory setting. In the future, it should be evaluated in its benefits within an industrial case

Condición y asignación de energía durante el ciclo reproductivo de la cabrilla patagónica Sebastes oculatus de la plataforma continental argentina

The Patagonian redfish (Sebastes oculatus Valenciennes 1833) is a viviparous species inhabiting the mid and outer shelf waters, as well as the rocky reefs along the Patagonian coast of Argentina. At present, the energy allocation strategy of this species during reproduction remains unknown. Thus, in this study, we analyzed the variations in biochemical and bioenergetic condition indices of adult females over a seasonal cycle. A total of 157 specimens were collected by onboard observers in commercial vessels between November 2016 and September 2017. The gonadosomatic index (GSI), morphophysiological condition (hepatosomatic index HSI and relative condition factor Kn), and the proximate composition (lipids, proteins, and moisture) along with energy density in muscle, liver, and gonads, were evaluated. Results showed an increase in lipid and protein reserves in the muscle and gonads during winter, coinciding with the onset of maturation. It was also observed that the energy density (kJ g-1) in the liver and muscle decreases in spring, coinciding with the greatest gonadal development (GSI). The highest energy density values in muscle were recorded during winter, which coincides with increased feeding activity of the species, suggesting a reproductive strategy closer to a ‘capital breeder’, with energy storage prior to the beginning of spawning.La cabrilla patagónica (Sebastes oculatus Valenciennes 1833) es una especie vivípara que habita las aguas de la plataforma media y exterior, así como los arrecifes rocosos a lo largo de la costa patagónica de Argentina. En la actualidad, la estrategia de asignación de energía de esta especie durante la reproducción sigue siendo desconocida. Por lo tanto, en este estudio, analizamos las variaciones en los índices de condición bioquímica y bioenergética de hembras adultas a lo largo de un ciclo estacional. Un total de 157 especímenes fueron colectados por observadores a bordo de buques comerciales entre noviembre de 2016 y septiembre de 2017. Se evaluaron el índice gonadosomático (GSI), la condición morfofisiológica (índice hepatosomático HSI y factor de condición relativa Kn) y la composición proximal (lípidos, proteínas y humedad), junto con la densidad energética en músculo, hígado y gónadas. Los resultados mostraron un aumento en las reservas de lípidos y proteínas en el músculo y las gónadas durante el invierno, coincidiendo con el inicio de la maduración. También se observó que la densidad energética (kJ g-1) en el hígado y el músculo disminuye en primavera, coincidiendo con el mayor desarrollo gonadal (GSI). Los valores más altos de densidad energética en el músculo se registraron durante el invierno, lo que coincide con una mayor actividad alimentaria de la especie, lo que sugiere una estrategia reproductiva más cercana a un capital breeder, con almacenamiento de energía antes del inicio del desove

Estrategia de asignación de energía durante el ciclo reproductivo del mero patagónico (Acanthistius patachonicus) del Océano Atlántico Sudoccidental

The term ‘condition’ is used to describe the overall health status of an animal and to describe its energy reserves. The storage and use of energy reserves are fundamental components of a species’ life strategy, and these processes directly influence the balance between current and future reproductive success. Understanding the energy allocation strategy adopted by a species is an important aspect in assessing possible variations in reproductive potential. The aim of this work was to analyse the seasonal variations of condition indices, biochemical composition, and energy density of different tissues in order to determine the strategy of energy allocation during the reproductive cycle of females Acanthistius patachonicus. Mature females were collected between April 2016 and March 2017 from commercial landings. Biochemical components such as lipids, proteins, and water content were measured in liver, gonad and muscle. The gonadosomatic index was highest during winter, at the beginning of the reproductive period, while the hepatosomatic index and condition factor did not differ among seasons. The study of the proximal composition of tissues revealed that the liver was the primary source of energy reserves. Highest values of these reserves in the liver were found before the onset of gonadal maturation (autumn). As the reproductive period progresses (winter and spring), these energy reserves decreased significantly, suggesting they were mobilized to support reproductive processes. This suggests that A. patachonicus primarily adopts a capital breeding strategy, but females possibly incorporate energy by feeding during the spawning period.El término “condición” se utiliza para describir el estado general de salud de un animal y sus reservas energéticas. El almacenamiento y uso de las reservas energéticas son componentes fundamentales de la estrategia vital de una especie, y estos procesos influyen directamente en el equilibrio entre el éxito reproductivo actual y futuro. Comprender la estrategia de asignación energética adoptada por una especie es un aspecto importante para evaluar las posibles variaciones en el potencial reproductivo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las variaciones estacionales de los índices de condición, la composición bioquímica y la densidad energética de diferentes tejidos para determinar la estrategia de utilización energética durante el ciclo reproductivo de las hembras de Acanthistius patachonicus. Se recolectaron hembras maduras entre abril de 2016 y marzo de 2017 en desembarques comerciales. Se midieron componentes bioquímicos como lípidos, proteínas, y contenido de agua en el hígado, las gónadas y el músculo. El índice gonadosomático alcanzó su máximo durante el invierno, al inicio del período reproductivo, mientras que el índice hepatosomático y el factor de condición no difirieron entre estaciones. El estudio de la composición proximal de los tejidos reveló que el hígado era la principal fuente de reservas energéticas. Los valores más altos de estas reservas en el hígado se observaron antes del inicio de la maduración gonadal (otoño). A medida que avanza el período reproductivo (invierno y primavera), estas reservas energéticas disminuyen significativamente, lo que sugiere que se movilizaron para apoyar los procesos reproductivos. Esto sugiere que A. patachonicus adopta principalmente una estrategia de reproducción de capital, pero las hembras posiblemente incorporen energía alimentándose durante el período de desove

Determinantal point processes associated with Hilbert spaces of holomorphic functions

International audienceWe study determinantal point processes on C induced by the reproducing kernels of generalized Fock spaces as well as those on the unit disc D induced by the reproducing kernels of generalized Bergman spaces. In the first case, we show that all reduced Palm measures of the same order are equivalent. The Radon-Nikodym derivatives are computed explicitly using regularized multiplicative functionals. We also show that these determinantal point processes are rigid in the sense of Ghosh and Peres, hence reduced Palm measures of different orders are singular. In the second case, we show that all reduced Palm measures, of all orders, are equivalent. The Radon-Nikodym derivatives are computed using regularized multiplicative function-als associated with certain Blaschke products. The quasi-invariance of these deter-minantal point processes under the group of diffeomorphisms with compact supports follows as a corollary