Shortcomings of the Bond Orientational Order Parameters for the Analysis of Disordered Particulate Matter

Local structure characterization with the bond-orientational order parameters q4, q6, ... introduced by Steinhardt et al. has become a standard tool in condensed matter physics, with applications including glass, jamming, melting or crystallization transitions and cluster formation. Here we discuss two fundamental flaws in the definition of these parameters that significantly affect their interpretation for studies of disordered systems, and offer a remedy. First, the definition of the bond-orientational order parameters considers the geometrical arrangement of a set of neighboring spheres NN(p) around a given central particle p; we show that procedure to select the spheres constituting the neighborhood NN(p) can have greater influence on both the numerical values and qualitative trend of ql than a change of the physical parameters, such as packing fraction. Second, the discrete nature of neighborhood implies that NN(p) is not a continuous function of the particle coordinates; this discontinuity, inherited by ql, leads to a lack of robustness of the ql as structure metrics. Both issues can be avoided by a morphometric approach leading to the robust Minkowski structure metrics ql'. These ql' are of a similar mathematical form as the conventional bond-orientational order parameters and are mathematically equivalent to the recently introduced Minkowski tensors [Europhys. Lett. 90, 34001 (2010); Phys. Rev. E. 85, 030301 (2012)]

Jammed Spheres: Minkowski Tensors Reveal Onset of Local Crystallinity

The local structure of disordered jammed packings of monodisperse spheres without friction, generated by the Lubachevsky-Stillinger algorithm, is studied for packing fractions above and below 64%. The structural similarity of the particle environments to fcc or hcp crystalline packings (local crystallinity) is quantified by order metrics based on rank-four Minkowski tensors. We find a critical packing fraction \phi_c \approx 0.649, distinctly higher than previously reported values for the contested random close packing limit. At \phi_c, the probability of finding local crystalline configurations first becomes finite and, for larger packing fractions, increases by several orders of magnitude. This provides quantitative evidence of an abrupt onset of local crystallinity at \phi_c. We demonstrate that the identification of local crystallinity by the frequently used local bond-orientational order metric q_6 produces false positives, and thus conceals the abrupt onset of local crystallinity. Since the critical packing fraction is significantly above results from mean-field analysis of the mechanical contacts for frictionless spheres, it is suggested that dynamic arrest due to isostaticity and the alleged geometric phase transition in the Edwards framework may be disconnected phenomena

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) as Salvage Therapy for Oligorecurrent Pleural Mesothelioma After Multi-Modality Therapy

Introduction: Therapy options for patients with oligoprogressive malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) are limited. Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) may be a promising therapeutic option, as it delivers a localized ablative dose of radiation and therefore balances efficacy and treatment related toxicities. The intent of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the feasibility of SBRT for limited pleural recurrences. Methods and Materials: This retrospective single-institution study is based on the 21 consecutive patients treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy for oligoprogressive MPM. Clinical and radiological data was collected at regular follow-up visits including toxicity, local control and survival. Results: At primary diagnosis, 57% of the patients presented with stage III disease. Initial treatment of MPM consisted of induction chemotherapy (n = 12) prior to a macroscopic complete resection (n = 18). Three patients received additional intracavitary chemotherapy and another three patients were treated with chemotherapy alone without another treatment at the time of first diagnosis. A total of 50 lesions in recurrent MPM were treated with SBRT. The median number of radiotherapy fractions was 5 (range 3-20) with a median dose per fraction of 5 Gy (range 2.5-12.5 Gy). The median total treatment dose was 30 Gy (20-50 Gy) with a median prescription isodose line (IDL) of 65% (65-100%). Median follow-up of all patients from diagnosis was 28 months (range 7-152 months). Analyzing all lesions separately, the 12-months-local control from SBRT was 73.5%. The median progression free survival (PFS) after SBRT was 6 months (range 0-21 months) and the median OS from first first SBRT was 29 months (range 0-61 months). Only one patients experienced above Grade 3 toxicities. Conclusion: This analysis demonstrates the feasibility of a SBRT approach for oligorecurrent MPM. SBRT was well-tolerated even after multiple repetitions and local control was high with a promising median OS

Heterogeneity of the pharmacologic treatment of allergic rhinitis in Europe based on MIDAS and OTCims platforms

Rinitis al·lèrgica; Costos; MedicamentsRinitis alérgica; Costos; MedicamentosAllergic rhinitis; Costs; MedicationsBackground The practice of allergology varies widely between countries, and the costs and sales for the treatment of rhinitis differ depending on practices and health systems. To understand these differences and their implications, the rhinitis market was studied in some of the EU countries. Methods We conducted a pharmaco-epidemiological database analysis to assess the medications that were being prescribed for allergic rhinitis in the years 2016, 2017 and 2018. We used the IQVIA platforms for prescribed medicines (MIDAS®—Meaningful Integration of Data, Analytics and Services) and for OTC medicines (OTC International Market Tracking—OTCims). We selected the five most important markets in the EU (France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain). Results Intranasal decongestants were excluded from the analyses because they are rarely prescribed for allergic rhinitis. For both Standard Units (SU) and costs, France is leading the other countries. In terms of SU, the four other countries are similar. For costs, Poland is lower than the three others. However, medication use differs largely. For 2018, in SU, intranasal corticosteroid is the first treatment in Poland (70.0%), France (51.3%), Spain (51.1%) and Germany (50.3%), whereas the Italian market is dominated by systemic antihistamines (41.4%) followed by intranasal corticosteroids (30.1%). Results of other years were similar. Discussion There are major differences between countries in terms of rhinoconjunctivitis medication usage

Increase in consumption of alcohol-based hand rub in German acute care hospitals over a 12 year period

Background: Hand hygiene plays a crucial role in the transmission of pathogens and the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. In 2007, a voluntary national electronic surveillance tool for the documentation of consumption of alcohol-based hand rub (AHC) was introduced as a surrogate for hand hygiene compliance (HAND-KISS) and for the provision of benchmark data as feedback.The aim of the study was to determine the trend in alcohol-based hand rub consumption between 2007 and 2018. Materials and methods: In this cohort study, AHC and patient days (PD) were documented on every ward in participating hospitals by trained local staff. Data was collected and validated in HAND-KISS. Intensive care units (ICU), intermediate care units (IMC), and regular wards (RW) that provided data during the study period between 2007 until 2018 were included into the study. Results: In 2018, 75.2% of acute care hospitals in Germany (n=1.460) participated. On ICUs (n=1998) mean AHC increased 1.74 fold (95%CI 1.71, 1.76; p<.0001) from 79.2ml/PD to 137.4ml/PD. On IMCs (n=475) AHC increased 1.69 fold (95%CI 1.60, 1.79; p<.0001) from 41.4ml/PD to 70.6ml /PD..On RWs (n=14,857) AHC was 19.0ml/PD in 2007 and increased 1.71 fold (95%CI 1.70, 1.73; p<.0001) to 32.6ml/PD in 2018. Conclusions: AHC in German hospitals increased on all types of wards during the past 12years. Surveillance of AHC is widely established in German hospitals. Large differences among medical specialties exist and warrant further investigation

Визначення кількості рослинних антиоксидантів для захисту гірких хмелевих речовин від окисної деструкції

Досліджено кінетику окиснення гірких речовин водного розчину екстракту хмелю у прискорених умовах з різною концентрацією антиоксидантів із рослинної сировини. Визначено ефективну концентрацію антиоксидантів із кори дубу, трави звіробою та трави м'яти.Kinetics of bitter matters in aquatic solution of hope extract in speed-up terms with different concentration of antioxidants from the digister are investigated. Certainly effective concentration of antioxidants from the bark oak, st-john's-wort herbares and mint herbares are determinated

Scapuloperoneal syndrome type Kaeser and a wide phenotypic spectrum of adult-onset, dominant myopathies are associated with the desmin mutation R350P

In 1965, an adult-onset, autosomal dominant disorder with a peculiar scapuloperoneal distribution of weakness and atrophy was described in a large, multi-generation kindred and named ‘scapuloperoneal syndrome type Kaeser' (OMIM #181400). By genetic analysis of the original kindred, we discovered a heterozygous missense mutation of the desmin gene (R350P) cosegregating with the disorder. Moreover, we detected DES R350P in four unrelated German families allowing for genotype-phenotype correlations in a total of 15 patients carrying the same mutation. Large clinical variability was recognized, even within the same family, ranging from scapuloperoneal (n = 2, 12%), limb girdle (n = 10, 60%) and distal phenotypes (n = 3, 18%) with variable cardiac (n = 7, 41%) or respiratory involvement (n = 7, 41%). Facial weakness, dysphagia and gynaecomastia were frequent additional symptoms. Overall and within each family, affected men seemingly bear a higher risk of sudden, cardiac death as compared to affected women. Moreover, histological and immunohistochemical examination of muscle biopsy specimens revealed a wide spectrum of findings ranging from near normal or unspecific pathology to typical, myofibrillar changes with accumulation of desmin. This study reveals that the clinical and pathological variability generally observed in desminopathies may not be attributed to the nature of the DES mutation alone, but may be influenced by additional genetic and epigenetic factors such as gender. In addition, mutations of the desmin gene should be considered early in the diagnostic work-up of any adult-onset, dominant myopathy, even if specific myofibrillar pathology is absen

Математическая психология

The article is devoted to mathematical psychology. The processes associated with the emergence of mathematical psychology and its stages. Definition of the problem of limited modeling capabilities with the help of this psychology. We consider in this article are still major areas of mathematical professor psychology V.Krylov (he played a leading role in the development of mathematical psychology)

Vorstudie zur Evaluation von Fördermaßnahmen für Jugendliche im SGB II und SGB III: Endbericht

Die Leistungen der arbeitsmarktpolitischen Förderung von jungen Menschen unter 25 Jahren im Bereich der aktiven Arbeitsmarktpolitik wurden bislang nur ausschnittsweise, nicht systematisch und ohne die vorrangige Intention untersucht, einen Überblick über alle Maßnahmen sowie deren forschungsrelevante Implikationen zu gewinnen. Deshalb wird im Rahmen dieser Vorstudie der Forschungsstand erfasst und bewertet, um damit etwaige Forschungslücken und künftigen Forschungsbedarf zu identifizieren. Darauf aufbauend wird ein Forschungsdesign für eine eventuell folgende ganzheitliche Evaluation vorgestellt

Harmonisation of short-term in vitro culture for the expansion of antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells with detection by ELISPOT and HLA-multimer staining.

Ex vivo ELISPOT and multimer staining are well-established tests for the assessment of antigen-specific T cells. Many laboratories are now using a period of in vitro stimulation (IVS) to enhance detection. Here, we report the findings of a multi-centre panel organised by the Association for Cancer Immunotherapy Immunoguiding Program to investigate the impact of IVS protocols on the detection of antigen-specific T cells of varying ex vivo frequency. Five centres performed ELISPOT and multimer staining on centrally prepared PBMCs from 3 donors, both ex vivo and following IVS. A harmonised IVS protocol was designed based on the best-performing protocol(s), which was then evaluated in a second phase on 2 donors by 6 centres. All centres were able to reliably detect antigen-specific T cells of high/intermediate frequency both ex vivo (Phase I) and post-IVS (Phase I and II). The highest frequencies of antigen-specific T cells ex vivo were mirrored in the frequencies following IVS and in the detection rates. However, antigen-specific T cells of a low/undetectable frequency ex vivo were not reproducibly detected post-IVS. Harmonisation of the IVS protocol reduced the inter-laboratory variation observed for ELISPOT and multimer analyses by approximately 20 %. We further demonstrate that results from ELISPOT and multimer staining correlated after (P &lt; 0.0001 and R (2) = 0.5113), but not before IVS. In summary, IVS was shown to be a reproducible method that benefitted from method harmonisation