bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Six‐probe scintillator dosimeter for treatment verification in HDR‐brachytherapy
Authors: Gonod Mathieu , Suarez Miguel Angel , Avila Carlos Chacon , Karakhanyan Vage , Eustache Clément , Laskri Samir , Crouzilles Julien , Vinchant Jean‐François , Aubignac Léone , Grosjean Thierry
Published: September 2023

Background

In vivo dosimetry (IVD) is gaining interest for treatment delivery verification in HDR‐brachytherapy. Time resolved methods, including source tracking, have the ability both to detect treatment errors in real time and to minimize experimental uncertainties. Multiprobe IVD architectures holds promise for simultaneous dose determinations at the targeted tumor and surrounding healthy tissues while enhancing measurement accuracy. However, most of the multiprobe dosimeters developed so far either suffer from compactness issues or rely on complex data post‐treatment.

Purpose

We introduce a novel concept of a compact multiprobe scintillator detector and demonstrate its applicability in HDR‐brachytherapy. Our fabricated seven‐fiber probing system is sufficiently narrow to be inserted in a brachytherapy needle or in a catheter.

Methods

Our multiprobe detection system results from the parallel implementation of six miniaturized inorganic Gd2O2S:Tb scintillator detectors at the end of a bundle of seven fibers, one fiber is kept bare to assess the stem effect. The resulting system, which is narrower than 320 microns, is tested with a MicroSelectron 9.14 Ci Ir‐192 HDR afterloader, in a water phantom. The detection signals from all six probes are simultaneously read with a sCMOS camera (at a rate of 0.06 s). The camera is coupled to a chromatic filter to cancel Cerenkov signal induced within the fibers upon exposure. By implementing an aperiodic array of six scintillating cells along the bundle axis, we first determine the range of inter‐probe spacings leading to optimal source tracking accuracy (first tracking method). Then, three different source tracking algorithms involving all the scintillating probes are tested and compared. In each of these four methods, dwell positions are assessed from dose measurements and compared to the treatment plan. Dwell time is also determined and compared to the treatment plan.

Results

The optimum inter‐probe spacing for an accurate source tracking ranges from 15 to 35 mm. The optimum detection algorithm consists of adding the readout signals from all detector probes. In that case, the error to the planned dwell positions is of 0.01 ± 0.14 mm and 0.02 ± 0.29 mm at spacings between the source and detector axes of 5.5 and 40 mm, respectively. Using this approach, the average deviations to the expected dwell time are of s and s, at spacings between source and probe axes of 5.5 and 20 mm, respectively.

Conclusions

Our six‐probe Gd2O2S:Tb dosimeter coupled to a sCMOS camera can perform time‐resolved treatment verification in HDR brachytherapy. This detection system of high spatial and temporal resolutions (0.25 mm and 0.06 s, respectively) provides a precise information on the treatment delivery via a dwell time and position verification of unmatched accuracy.
Synthetic modelling of railway trackbed for improved understanding of ground penetrating radar responses due to varying conditions
Authors: Couchman Matthew John , Barrett Brian , Eriksen Asger
Published: September 2023

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a commonly used tool for railway trackbed inspection due to its ability to collect information about subsurface materials at high resolution and high speed. Although GPR recording systems allow for the collection of vast quantities of data (hundreds of kilometres per day), accurate ground truth information is difficult to obtain. Models of trackbed can be used to generate synthetic radargrams to provide a better understanding and predictability of GPR responses to a wide range of trackbed conditions. In this research, we produced models of ballast using randomly shaped 3D particles, with a range of particle size distributions to represent various stages of ballast breakdown. Additionally, void spaces are partially filled with a constant dielectric material to represent ballast contamination. We used gprMax to simulate the GPR response for a 2 GHz horn antenna over the trackbed models. These simulations resulted in radargrams that are visually indistinct from real recorded data in known conditions. These radargrams, along with their formative models, have provided valuable insights into how variations in trackbed conditions can impact GPR data.
Mandating disability education in medicine: A call to action
Authors: Jordan Julia , Petersen Kristina H.
Published: September 2023

Health care clinicians frequently treat persons with disabilities, yet disability is often overlooked in medical education. Fewer than half of U.S. medical schools include disability education in their undergraduate medical education curriculum.1 When included, it is often superficial and insufficient to apply to patient care. Although 98% of students at one institution reported receiving disability education, 80% reported that it was inadequate, and 64% of them felt unprepared to evaluate, diagnose, and treat people with disabilities (PWD).2 This trend continues in graduate medical education (GME), with only 43% of emergency medicine programs including disability content.3
Self‐care and self‐awareness — two keys to leading well
Authors: Freebairn‐Smith Laura
Published: September 2023

In this month's column, I am writing about self‐care and self‐awareness, two of the most important habits of good leaders. I’ll also discuss the Buddhist concepts of monkey mind and comparative mind, and how managing these will dramatically improve your sense of peace and your ability to lead.
Algorithmic realization of exact three‐point difference scheme for singular Sturm–Liouville problem
Authors: Khomenko Nadiya , Kutniv Myroslav
Published: September 2023

A new algorithmic realization of exact three‐point difference schemes for a class of singular Sturm–Liouville problems is presented. It is shown that to compute the coefficients of the exact scheme in an arbitrary grid node, it is necessary to solve two auxiliary initial value problems for the second order linear ordinary differential equations: one problem on the interval (forward) and one problem on the interval (backward). Finally, the coefficient stability of the exact three‐point difference scheme is proved.
Increased expression of phosphodiesterase 4 in activated hepatic stellate cells promotes cytoskeleton remodeling and cell migration
Authors: Elnagdy Mohamed , Wang Yali , Rodriguez Walter , Zhang JingWen , Bauer Philip , Wilkey Daniel W , Merchant Michael , Pan Jianmin , Farooqui Zainab , Cannon Robert , Rai Shesh , Maldonado Claudio , Barve Shirish , McClain Craig J , Gobejishvili Leila
Published: September 2023

Activation and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) into migratory myofibroblasts is a key process in liver fibrogenesis. Cell migration requires an active remodeling of the cytoskeleton, which is a tightly regulated process coordinated by Rho‐specific guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and the Rho family of small GTPases. Rho‐associated kinase (ROCK) promotes assembly of focal adhesions and actin stress fibers by regulating cytoskeleton organization. GEF exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1 (EPAC1) has been implicated in modulating TGFβ1 and Rho signaling; however, its role in HSC migration has never been examined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of cAMP‐degrading phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzymes in regulating EPAC1 signaling, HSC migration, and fibrogenesis. We show that PDE4 protein expression is increased in activated HSCs expressing alpha smooth muscle actin and active myosin light chain (MLC) in fibrotic tissues of human nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis livers and mouse livers exposed to carbon tetrachloride. In human livers, TGFβ1 levels were highly correlated with PDE4 expression. TGFβ1 treatment of LX2 HSCs decreased levels of cAMP and EPAC1 and increased PDE4D expression. PDE4 specific inhibitor, rolipram, and an EPAC‐specific agonist decreased TGFβ1‐mediated cell migration in vitro. In vivo, targeted delivery of rolipram to the liver prevented fibrogenesis and collagen deposition and decreased the expression of several fibrosis‐related genes, and HSC activation. Proteomic analysis of mouse liver tissues identified the regulation of actin cytoskeleton by the kinase effectors of Rho GTPases as a major pathway impacted by rolipram. Western blot analyses confirmed that PDE4 inhibition decreased active MLC and endothelin 1 levels, key proteins involved in cytoskeleton remodeling and contractility. The current study, for the first time, demonstrates that PDE4 enzymes are expressed in hepatic myofibroblasts and promote cytoskeleton remodeling and HSC migration. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Perceptions of chemotherapy calendar creation among US pediatric oncologists
Authors: Mueller Emily L. , Cochrane Anneli R. , Carroll Aaron E.
Published: September 2023

Background

An effective chemotherapy calendar system between the clinician and the patient/caregiver can improve patient‐centered outcomes. There is lack of research on how chemotherapy calendars are created and what aspects are important to pediatric oncology physicians.

Procedure

In an online survey of pediatric oncology physicians, we evaluated institutional practices, perceptions of chemotherapy calendar creation, and desires for future tools. A total of 220 survey participants provided data (10.4% participant response rate) from 123 institutions (53.5% represented institutions).

Results

Participants indicated that 72% always or most of the time their institution provides a chemotherapy calendar, most commonly at the start of a new cycle (90%) or with a dosing change (68%). Factors such as the health literacy of the family, prior nonadherence, type of cancer, and desire of the family affected the creation decision. Advanced practice providers (45%) or nurse coordinator/navigators (43%) were most likely to create the chemotherapy calendar. No significant difference was found between the likelihood of creating a chemotherapy calendar and institutional size (p = .09) or physician years in practice (p = .26). Approximately 95% of participants indicated chemotherapy calendar creation software that improved ease and efficiency would be moderately to extremely useful.

Conclusion

Future efforts should focus on co‐design of an efficient and effective chemotherapy calendar by engaging with nursing and advanced practice providers along with caregivers of children with cancer.
Preparation and properties of polyetherimide fibers based on the synergistic effect of carbon nanotubes and ionic liquids
Authors: Ke Fuyou , Yang Xiao , Zhang Meirong , Chen Ye , Wang Huaping
Published: September 2023

Polyetherimide (PEI) has been widely applied in the form of plastics, films, and foam materials. But PEI fiber is confronted with some challenges, such as high melt viscosity and high spinning temperature during the spinning process, poor mechanical properties because of its amorphous structure. In this study, ionic liquids (ILs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to prepare PEI composite fibers (PEI/CNT‐IL) successfully, which were further characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman spectra, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermalgravimetric analysis, mechanical property, and conductivity measurements. IL showed a plasticizing effect to reduce the processing temperature of PEI and SEM images showed that CNTs were uniformly dispersed in the PEI matrix by the assistance of IL. The synergistic effect of CNT and IL thus improved the tensile strength and antistatic properties of PEI fibers. When the contents of CNT and IL were 0.5 and 1.0 wt%, respectively, the optimal properties were obtained. PEI/CNT‐IL fibers exhibited a maximum tensile strength of 2.0 cN/dtex with the elongation at break being 90%, and the enhanced electrical conductivity of 10−5 S·cm−1, which was increased by 13 orders of magnitude compared to that of pristine PEI fiber.

Highlights

PEI composite fibers were prepared via melt spinning with the assistance of IL and CNT.

IL can effectively disperse CNT and plasticize PEI to reduce the processing temperature.

The synergistic effect of CNT and IL has improved the tensile strength and antistatic properties of PEI fibers.
Simulation of double resonant excitation of ions in an asymmetric linear ion trap mass analyzer
Authors: Xu Kai , Qiu Jun Wei , Zhang Tao , Zhu Hui Jun , Zhang Shuo , Lu Xin Xin , Li Xiao Xu
Published: September 2023

Rationale

Improving the analytical performance of linear ion traps (LITs) is crucial for the advancement of high‐performance LIT mass spectrometers. In this study, a double resonant excitation method was employed in an asymmetric LIT to achieve high ion unidirectional ejection efficiency and enhanced mass resolution.

Methods

The asymmetric trapping field was generated by stretching one x electrode with a distance α. The double resonant excitation was achieved by applying an alternating voltage out of phase and a supplementary alternating voltage in phase to the x and y electrode pairs of the LIT, respectively. Numerical simulations of ion trajectories were performed to validate the effectiveness of this method.

Results

The mass resolution of the asymmetric LIT with double resonant excitation could be improved to ~3800, which was over two times compared to that with only dipolar resonant excitation, while both reached ~90% in ion unidirectional ejection efficiency.

Conclusions

By employing the double resonant excitation method, the mass resolution could be improved significantly in the asymmetric LIT, while maintaining a considerably high ion unidirectional ejection efficiency. This method might provide a general solution for enhancing ion detection efficiency and mass resolution of LIT mass spectrometers.
The diagnostic likelihood ratio function and modified test for trend: Identifying, evaluating, and validating nontraditional biomarkers in case‐control studies
Authors: Lindner Hanna , Gimotty Phyllis A. , Bilker Warren B.
Published: September 2023

The ROC curve and its associated summary statistic, the AUC, are used to identify informative diagnostic biomarkers under the assumption that risk of disease is a monotone function of the biomarker. We refer to biomarkers that meet this assumption as traditional, and those that do not as nontraditional. Nontraditional biomarkers most often arise when both low and high biomarker values are associated with an outcome of interest, such as blood pressure with medical complications or leukocyte count with ICU prognosis. Since nontraditional biomarkers do not meet the assumptions for ROC‐based analyses, we propose using the discrete diagnostic likelihood ratio (DLR) function to evaluate a wider class of informative biomarkers. We obtain the DLR function using the multinomial logistic regression (MLR) model to improve upon existing estimation techniques, and implement a likelihood ratio test to identify candidate informative traditional and nontraditional biomarkers. We propose a modification of the Cochran‐Armitage test for trend that separates biomarkers deemed informative into traditional and nontraditional categories. The statistical properties of the likelihood ratio test and modified test for trend are explored under simulation. Together, these methods achieve the identification, evaluation, and validation of biomarkers from early discovery research. Finally, we show that incorporating covariates into the MLR model results in a covariate‐adjusted DLR function that is useful for integrating multiple sources of information in clinical decision making. The methods are applied to gene expression data from subjects with high grade serous ovarian cancer, where stage, early stage vs late stage, is the outcome of interest.
Efficient Synthesis of Quinoxalines by I2/AgNO3 Co‐Promoted One‐Pot Annulation of Alkynes with 1,2‐Arylenediamines
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yang Xuerui , Cao Zhongzhong , Min Xin , Zhou Hang , Zhong Jialong , Gong Ting , Wang Lidan , Huang Qingchun , Yang Wen
Published: September 2023

An efficient I2/AgNO3 co‐promoted one‐pot annulation of alkynes with 1,2‐arylenediamines into quinoxalines is reported. The reaction proceeded smoothly under mild conditions and rapidly generated quinoxalines (37 examples) in good to excellent yields (up to 83 %) with a good tolerance of functional groups. Moreover, π‐conjugated polycyclic quinoxaline derivatives could also be successfully synthesized by this one‐pot strategy. Furthermore, a gram‐scale reaction of the one‐pot reaction is also investigated. Finally, a plausible mechanism for the one‐pot reaction is proposed.
Transition Metal Catalyst Free and Single‐Step Synthesis of Significant Thiosemicarbazones via Oxidative Coupling Strategy
Authors: Dharani S. , Nithya V. , Indumathy R. , Kalaiarasi G.
Published: September 2023

The efficacy and selectivity of the transition metal‐free catalysis have been emphasized in constructing thiosemicarbazone derivatives from the dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and thiosemicarbazides under aerobic conditions. A broad spectrum of thiosemicarbazones was obtained in good‐to‐excellent yields up to 90 %, with water as the only by‐product. The catalytic synthesis worked in an atom‐economical fashion in the absence of any oxidant with only 1 mmol of the base loading per mmol of the substrates. Further, the impact of different temperatures, solvents, bases, and base loading of the coupling reaction has been explored. A probable pathway that involves the generation of an aldehyde intermediate to thiosemicarbazones, which releases only water has been proposed.
Carbon‐Sulfur Bond Formation via Ipso Nucleophilic Substitution of Electron‐Deficient Benzenesulfonic Acid with Thiol
Authors: Mondal Sandip , Mukherjee Poulami , Paul Ankita , Sikdar Asmita , Mandal Bhubaneswar
Published: September 2023

Developing green and convenient strategies for constructing C−S bonds is attractive, as it is indispensable for numerous essential biological and pharmaceutical compound syntheses. Herein, an efficient, cost‐effective method for synthesizing 2,4‐dinitroaryl thioether derivatives is achieved by ipso nucleophilic substitution of an aromatic sulfonic acid group by thiol to construct a new C−S bond. This methodology neither requires the assistance of any transition metal catalyst nor harsh reaction conditions. Such thioether formation from aryl sulfonic acids is new.
Directional Cell Migration Guided by a Strain Gradient
Authors: Yang Feiyu , Chen Pengcheng , Jiang Han , Xie Tianfa , Shao Yue , Kim Deok‐Ho , Li Bo , Sun Yubing
Published: September 2023

Strain gradients widely exist in development and physiological activities. The directional movement of cells is essential for proper cell localization, and directional cell migration in responses to gradients of chemicals, rigidity, density, and topography of extracellular matrices have been well‐established. However; it is unclear whether strain gradients imposed on cells are sufficient to drive directional cell migration. In this work, a programmable uniaxial cell stretch device is developed that creates controllable strain gradients without changing substrate stiffness or ligand distributions. It is demonstrated that over 60% of the single rat embryonic fibroblasts migrate toward the lower strain side in static and the 0.1 Hz cyclic stretch conditions at ≈4% per mm strain gradients. It is confirmed that such responses are distinct from durotaxis or haptotaxis. Focal adhesion analysis confirms higher rates of contact area and protrusion formation on the lower strain side of the cell. A 2D extended motor‐clutch model is developed to demonstrate that the strain‐introduced traction force determines integrin fibronectin pairs' catch‐release dynamics, which drives such directional migration. Together, these results establish strain gradient as a novel cue to regulate directional cell migration and may provide new insights in development and tissue repairs.
Challenges and Strategies Toward Future Stable Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Chen Shuyan , Liu Na , Xu Fan , Wei Guodan
Published: September 2023

In recent years, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have received widespread attention due to their superior photovoltaic performance. However, perovskite materials and related films/devices all suffer unfavorable instability issues, which largely hamper their commercialization. In this review, research status, main challenges, and possible strategies to overcome the instability issues in PSCs are comprehensively presented and discussed from four main perspectives, including perovskite, charge transport materials, electrodes, and encapsulations. Related testing standards to accurately evaluate PSC lifetime are also summarized to provide essential guidance toward future advancement of stable PSCs.
Composite Silica‐Based Films as Platforms for Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Tananaiko Oksana , Walcarius Alain
Published: September 2023

Sol‐gel‐derived silica thin films generated onto electrode surfaces in the form of organic‐inorganic hybrid coatings or other composite layers have found tremendous interest for being used as platforms for the development of electrochemical sensors and biosensors. After a brief description of the strategies applied to prepare such materials, and their interest as electrode modifier, this review will summarize the major advances made so far with composite silica‐based films in electroanalysis. It will primarily focus on electrochemical sensors involving both non‐ordered composite films and vertically oriented mesoporous membranes, the biosensors exploiting the concept of sol‐gel bioencapsulation on electrode, the spectroelectrochemical sensors, and some others.
Wildlife professionals' and graduate students' perceptions regarding scientific publishing
Authors: Hernandez‐Rubio Lauren A. , Kaminski Richard M. , Williams Christopher K.
Published: September 2023

Within academia and research, publishing peer‐reviewed articles is expected for dissemination of knowledge and is used as a measure of professional performance. However, few papers have been published on professionals' and graduate students' perceptions of student publication performance, how professionals encourage student publishing, and what types of publication barriers exist for graduate students to publish. In 2019, we emailed a survey to professional and student attendees of the 2013 and 2016 North American Duck symposia as a representative cadre of waterfowl and wildlife biologists. We surveyed 469 professionals and 98 students who attended the symposia. Response rates were 42% and 45% for professionals and students, respectively, and deemed reliable as response rates approached 50%. Fifty percent and 69% of professional respondents indicated they felt frustration motivating their Ph.D. and M.S. students to publish, respectively. Of strategies used to motivate graduate student publishing, 79% of students ranked providing congenial encouragement most effective, while 60% of professionals ranked playing a major role in drafting and editing as most effective. Both professionals and students considered lack of time during and outside work hours as barriers to publishing graduate work. Professionals and students agreed that asking students to sign a contract at time of their initial matriculation may be an effective strategy to publish. Information from this study adds to knowledge on graduate student publishing practices and can be used to improve methods to increase graduate student publication rates in wildlife science and conservation. Similar surveys can be conducted face‐to‐face or remotely at international wildlife and other ecological conferences to broaden application of our results. We encourage students to generate publications from their research by writing separate thesis/dissertation chapters to expedite the publication process.
Potential impacts of land‐management schedules on grassland bird nests and fledglings
Authors: Wolcott Daniel M. , Herkert James R. , Ribic Christine A. , Renfrew Rosalind B. , Sample David W.
Published: September 2023

Trade‐offs exist between timing of grassland habitat management activities (e.g., weed and brush control) while also ensuring other conservation objectives (e.g., grassland bird reproductive success) are met. On land set aside for grassland conservation (e.g., lands enrolled in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Conservation Reserve Program and some state and federal wildlife management areas), federal and state agencies set time frames for land management based on avoiding disturbance of grassland bird nests. However, recent calls for considering the needs of dependent fledglings in conservation plans imply a need to evaluate whether current time frames are adequate. We used initiation and end dates for 3,257 nests of 8 obligate grassland bird species in Illinois and Wisconsin and a simulation approach for fledgling survival to estimate the potential proportion of active nests at risk when management (e.g., mowing, fire) occurred on the 1st and 15th day of May, June, July, and August during the breeding season. Management during June had the potential to impact 24–61% of nests, depending on the species. Management during July had the potential to impact 4–52% of nests, depending on the species. If disturbance occurred during August, proportionately few active nests were at risk for any species (0–9% of nests on 1 August, 0–<0.5% on 15 August). Potential proportions of fledglings at risk from management were greatest in July for 7 of the 8 species (7–18%). Our study suggests that on lands where a primary conservation objective is to increase or ensure survival of grassland birds, delaying management activities until August could be beneficial for protecting both grassland bird nests and fledglings.
Relational Citizens-in-becoming – Theoretische Betrachtungen zu einer solidary citizenship aus einer ​kritisch-posthumanistischen Perspektive
Authors: Rinaldi Stefanie
Published: September 2023

In ihrem Buch Imperiale Lebensweise schlagen Brand und Wissen (2017) im Kontext der multiplen Krise das Konzept einer solidarischen Lebensweise resp. der solidary citizenship vor. Der vorliegende Beitrag geht auf drei Grundgedanken Brands und Wissens ein und verwebt diese mit Kerngedanken des kritischen Posthumanismus nach Rosi Braidotti (u. a. siehe etwa 2014; 2019a; b; 2021). Daraus werden Ideen für eine relational citizenship sowie einer relationalen und affektiven politischen Bildung abgeleitet. Es wird argumentiert, dass diese kritisch-posthumanistische Perspektive auf die politische Bildung dazu beitragen kann, Mensch-Natur-Beziehungen und die Gestaltung des Zusammenlebens in unserer Welt radikal neu zu denken.
CMNet: a novel model and design rationale based on comparison studies and synergy of CNN and MetaFormer
Authors: Yu Haowen , Chen Liming
Published: September 2023

Convolutional- and Transformer-based backbone architecture are two dominant, widely accepted, models in computer vision. Nevertheless, it is still a challenge, thus a focus of research, to decide which backbone architecture performs better, and under which circumstances. In this paper, we conduct an in-depth investigation into the differences of the macroscopic backbone design of the CNN and Transformer models with the ultimate purpose of developing new models to combine the strengths of both types of architectures for effective image classification. Specifically, we first analyze the model structures of both models and identified four main differences, then we design four sets of ablation experiments using the ImageNet-1K dataset with an image classification problem as an example to study the impacts of these four differences on model performance. Based on the experimental results, we derive four observations as rules of thumb for designing a vision model backbone architecture. Informed by the experiment findings, we then conceive a novel model called CMNet which marries the experiment-proved best design practices of CNN and Transformer architectures. Finally, we carry out extensive experiments on CMNet using the same dataset against baseline classifiers. Initial results prove CMNet achieves the highest top-1 accuracy of 80.08% on the ImageNet-1K validation set, this is a very competitive value compared to previous classical models with similar computational complexity. Details of the implementation, algorithms and codes, are publicly available on Github: https://github.com/Arwin-Yu/CMNet.
The V angle compliments radiographic assessment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations by differentiating between Rockwood types III versus V and by considering dynamic horizontal translation in coronal radiographs
Authors: Vetter Philipp , Eckl Larissa , Bellmann Frederik , Moroder Philipp , Audigé Laurent , Scheibel Markus
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations are usually graded radiographically according to Rockwood, but differentiation between Rockwood types III and V may be ambiguous. The potentially clinically relevant horizontal instability is barely addressed in coronal radiographs. It was hypothesized that a new radiologic parameter (V angle) would complement ACJ diagnostics on anteroposterior radiographs by differentiating between cases of Rockwood III and V while also considering the aspect of dynamic horizontal translation (DHT).

Methods

Ninety‐five patients with acute ACJ dislocations (Rockwood types III and V) were included retrospectively between 2017 and 2020. On anteroposterior views (weightbearing: n = 62, non‐weight‐bearing: n = 33), the coracoclavicular (CC) distance and the newly introduced V angle for assessing scapular orientation were measured bilaterally. This angle is referenced between the spinal column and a line crossing the superior scapular angle and the crossing point between the supraspinatus fossa and the medial base of the coracoid process, reported as the side‐comparative difference (non‐injured side *minus* injured side). DHT on Alexander views was divided into stable, partially unstable or completely unstable.

Results

The V angle on the injured side alone (mean 50.0°; 95% confidence interval (CI), 48.6°–51.3°) showed no correlation with the side‐comparative CC distance [%] (r = − 0.040; n.s.). Thus, the V angle on the non‐injured side was considered, displaying a normal distribution (n.s.) with a mean of 58.0° (95% CI, 56.6°–59.4°). The side‐comparative V angle showed a correlation with the side‐comparative CC distance (r = 0.83; p < 0.001) and was able to differentiate between Rockwood types III (4.7°; 95% CI, 3.9°–5.5°; n = 39) and V (10.3°; 95% CI, 9.7°–11.0°; n = 56) (p < 0.001). A cut‐off value of 7° had a 94.6% sensitivity and an 82.1% specificity (area under curve, AUC: 0.954; 95% CI, 0.915–0.994). The side‐comparative V angle was greater for cases with complete DHT (8.7°; 95% CI, 7.9°–9.5°; n = 78) than for cases with partial DHT (4.8°; 95% CI, 3.3°–6.3°; n = 16) (p < 0.001). A cut‐off value of 5° showed a sensitivity of 84.6% and a specificity of 66.7% (AUC 0.824; 95% CI, 0.725–0.924).

Conclusion

The scapular‐based V angle on anteroposterior radiographs distinguishes between Rockwood types III and V as well as cases with partial or complete DHT.

Study design

Diagnostic study.

Level of evidence

Level II.
Muscle synergies are associated with intermuscular coherence and cortico-synergy coherence in an isometric upper limb task
Authors: Ortega-Auriol Pablo , Byblow Winston D. , Besier Thor , McMorland Angus J. C.
Published: September 2023

To elucidate the underlying physiological mechanisms of muscle synergies, we investigated long-range functional connectivity by cortico-muscular (CMC), intermuscular (IMC) and cortico-synergy (CSC) coherence. Fourteen healthy participants executed an isometric upper limb task in synergy-tuned directions. Cortical activity was recorded using 32-channel electroencephalography (EEG) and muscle activity using 16-channel electromyography (EMG). Using non-negative matrix factorisation (NMF), we calculated muscle synergies from two different tasks. A preliminary multidirectional task was used to identify synergy-preferred directions (PDs). A subsequent coherence task, consisting of generating forces isometrically in the synergy PDs, was used to assess the functional connectivity properties of synergies. Overall, we were able to identify four different synergies from the multidirectional task. A significant alpha band IMC was consistently present in all extracted synergies. Moreover, IMC alpha band was higher between muscles with higher weights within a synergy. Interestingly, CSC alpha band was also significantly higher across muscles with higher weights within a synergy. In contrast, no significant CMC was found between the motor cortex area and synergy muscles. The presence of a shared input onto synergistic muscles within a synergy supports the idea of neurally derived muscle synergies that build human movement. Our findings suggest cortical modulation of some of the synergies and the consequential existence of shared input between muscles within cortically modulated synergies.
Facelift: Assessment of Total Platysma Muscle Transection to Prevent the Recurrence of Platysmal Bands
Authors: Meningaud Jean-Paul , Pensato Rosita , Pineau Virginie , D’Andrea Luca , Pizza Chiara , Coiante Edoardo , Hersant Barbara , La Padula Simone
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Determining which facelift technique yields the most effective long-term rejuvenation results and ensures optimal stability over time remains a significant question in cosmetic surgery: Does the most invasive surgery lead to the best long-term outcomes? This study aims to evaluate the authors’ approach using total platysma muscle transection to prevent platysma band recurrence, and to provide anatomical observations supporting and justifying their procedure.

Material and Methods

A preliminary study in anatomical basic sciences was conducted to establish the rationale for our method. A prospective single-blind study was conducted, involving eighty patients seeking facial rejuvenation with platysmal band correction. They underwent face and neck-lift procedures with total platysma transection by the same surgeon between May 2013 and May 2016. Cosmetic outcomes were assessed using the Face and Neck-Lift Objective Photo-Numerical Assessment Scale. Scores by three blind evaluators before surgery, at 1 and 5 years postoperatively, were compared using a matched T Test (p < 0.05).

Results

The preliminary anatomical study revealed a consistent anastomotic system between the cervical branch of the facial nerve and the branches of the cervical plexus. Incomplete platysma section during a facelift might contribute to platysma band recurrence. The clinical study demonstrated satisfactory outcomes, with significant overall appearance improvement (p < 0.00001) and no platysma band recurrence. Complication rate was low.

Conclusion

The authors’ technique achieved satisfactory long-term results with minimal complications. However, due to the lengthy operating time and steep learning curve, it should be reserved for highly motivated patients.

Level of Evidence II

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Parking behaviour under the influence of alcohol
Authors: Tank A. , Tietz T. , Loskant J. , Zube K. , Ritz-Timme S. , Hartung B.
Published: September 2023

Real-life driving studies evaluating the impact of alcohol influence on the ability to park a car are rare but necessary to assess a possible impairment to drive a car in the event of prosecution. In this study, 29 test persons (13 m, 16 f) completed three test drives with real cars, each made up of three different parking situations. While four test persons remained sober, the majority drank a previously calculated amount of alcohol before the second drive; the aim was to reach a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 1.1 g/kg. The third drive took place about 2 h later without any further ingestion of alcohol. The impact of BAC on the number of accidents, time needed to finish the drive, the amount of correction moves and quality of the final parking position (in the centre of the parking space) were analysed. Furthermore, pressure measuring films were applied to the test cars, measuring the average pressure and load in the areas of the accident impact. A significant increase of accidents could be noted with rising BAC. While a single accident happened to both sober and drivers under the influence of alcohol, more than one accident was only seen in drivers after the ingestion of alcohol (> 0.63 g/kg). The BAC had no impact on the other considered aspects. Concludingly, more than one impact site or accident while parking a car can serve as an indication for alcohol impairment of the driver at the time of the accident.
Self-Sealing of Boom Clay After Gas Transport
Authors: Gonzalez-Blanco Laura , Romero Enrique , Levasseur Séverine
Published: September 2023

In the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste in argillaceous rocks, studying the barrier integrity after gas transport and the pathway closure thanks to self-sealing capacity is a crucial aspect for the safety assessment. This paper presents experimental research in Boom Clay (a potential host rock in Belgium) to evaluate the effectiveness of self-sealing and possible fissure reactivation during a second gas invasion event. Initial water permeability under oedometer conditions was first measured on samples at two bedding orientations, being higher the sample with bedding planes parallel to flow, highlighting marked anisotropy. Then, gas injection tests at a constant volume rate were performed. Results indicated that Boom Clay underwent expansion and degradation during gas injection due to the development of fissures that were quantified using microstructural techniques. The computed effective gas permeability was not significantly dependent on bedding orientation and was slightly larger than the initial intrinsic water permeability. The re-saturation of the samples led to a recovery of the initial water permeability for both orientations, replicating the original anisotropy. The microstructural analyses confirmed the gas pathways’ closure, indicating good self-sealing and the regaining of the hydraulic barrier function. However, a small volume of large unconnected pores was detected on undrained unloading before the microstructural study. An additional gas injection after the self-sealing resulted in a higher effective gas permeability and a larger increase in pore volume, suggesting the reopening of fissures generated during the first injection. Finally, the experimental data were compiled within a multi-scale phenomenological model to relate the microstructural information to macroscopic flow transport properties capturing the intrinsic permeability increase on gas invasion and its recovery during self-sealing.
Young Children’s Lives at Domestic Violence Shelters: Mothers’ Perspectives on Their Children’s Experiences
Authors: Arnell Linda , Thunberg Sara
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to analyze mothers’ narratives about their children’s life situation while living at domestic violence shelters in Sweden. More precisely, the analysis focuses on determining what aspects are highlighted as being most important for the children’s living situation during their stay.

Method

This study is based on interviews with mothers who have experience of living at a domestic violence shelter together with their young child/ren. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the narratives.

Results

The analysis resulted in seven themes important for the children’s lives during their shelter stay. These are: safety, isolation, a child-friendly environment, shared living space, social relations at the shelter, children’s health during their stay, and support at the shelter.

Conclusion

In the narratives, safety was highlighted as the most important issue, and as something that also affects other aspects of the children’s lives during their time at the shelter. A child-friendly environment, access to activities and support, and positive social relations at the shelter are also important. In addition, positive experiences regarding these aspects can be understood to counteract the feeling of isolation and improve children’s ability to process their experiences.
Physico-chemical and pro-wound healing properties of microporous cellulosic sponge from Gleditsia triacanthos pods functionalized with Phytolacca americana fruit extract
Authors: Marinas Ioana Cristina , Gradisteanu Pircalabioru Gratiela , Oprea Eliza , Geana Elisabeta-Irina , Zgura Irina , Romanitan Cosmin , Matei Elena , Angheloiu Marian , Brincoveanu Oana , Georgescu Mihaela , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to exploit two invasive plant species to develop a novel, multifunctional, bioactive wound dressing based on a microporous cellulosic sponge (CS) from Gleditsia triacanthos pods and functionalizing them with Phytolacca americana fruit extract. The CS was functionalized, lyophilized, and characterized by Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, water absorption, and retention capacity. In addition, two parameters were evaluated in temporal dynamics: controlled release of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities. The hemolytic index, blood clotting kinetics, lactate dehydrogenase release, and wound scratch assays proved their hemo- and biocompatibility, as well as their ability to promote cell proliferation and migration promoting-activity and to inhibit microbial growth. Furthermore, the obtained spongious material exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect by modulating the macrophages’ secretion profile of IL-6 and IL-10. In conclusion, the microporous cellulosic sponge obtained from G. triacanthos could be used as a vehicle to ensure the controlled release of bioactive principles with pro-wound healing activities extracted from invasive plants.

Graphical abstract:
Valvular heart disease in patients with cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Aimo Alberto , Camerini Lara , Fabiani Iacopo , Morfino Paolo , Panichella Giorgia , Barison Andrea , Pucci Angela , Castiglione Vincenzo , Vergaro Giuseppe , Sinagra Gianfranco , Emdin Michele
Published: September 2023

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an underdiagnosed condition caused by the deposition of misfolded proteins, namely immunoglobulin light chains and transthyretin, in the extracellular spaces of the heart. Any cardiovascular structure can be affected by amyloid infiltration, including the valves. Amyloid accumulation within the cardiac valves may lead to their structural and functional impairment, with a profound impact on patients’ prognosis and quality of life. The most common forms of valvular disease in CA are aortic stenosis (AS), mitral regurgitation (MR), and tricuspid regurgitation (TR). CA and AS share similar risk factors, disease mechanisms, and remodeling patterns, which make their diagnosis particularly challenging. Patients with both CA and AS experience worse outcomes than CA or AS alone, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement may represent a useful therapeutic strategy in this population. Data on MR and TR are quite limited and mainly coming from case reports or small series. This review paper will summarize our current understanding on the epidemiology, disease mechanisms, echocardiographic features, clinical implications, and therapeutic options of AS, MR, and TR in patients with CA.
Assessing the state of technology education in primary schools: a systematic review of the last 2 decades
Authors: Pappa Christina Ioanna , Georgiou Despoina , Pittich Daniel
Published: September 2023

This study reports on a systematic review of the current status of technology education in primary schools and the terminology used in the fields of technology and engineering education. Additionally, this review highlights crucial aspects of teaching and learning that must not be overlooked when outlining the current state of technology and engineering education, such as students’ and teachers’ personal factors, classroom communication, and teacher professional growth. Following PRISMA guidelines, two electronic databases were reviewed, Web of Science and Education Resources Information Center. The literature search identified a total of 1206 papers, 125 from Web of Science and 1081 from ERIC. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 33 papers were selected and evaluated in depth. The results show that research on technology education in primary schools is a growing field of interest but fragmented in focus. Our review is the first to indicate the wide range of technology and engineering education definitions. We also highlight the large heterogeneity of studies focusing on students’ and teachers’ personal factors and classroom interactions, a finding that may be explained by the unclear concepts and aims of technology and engineering curricula. This study contributes to and supports research and policymaking to better understand the current status, heterogeneities, and challenges in technology and engineering education in primary schools. In addition, we provide first insights to support professional development efforts targeting teachers’ technology acceptance and improvement of their technology-related teaching practices.
Emotional Prototypicality Ratings for 636 Chinese Words: A Database of Chinese Words with Affective Information
Authors: Zheng Ruiyao , Zhang Meng , Guo Taomei , Guasch Marc , Ferré Pilar
Published: September 2023

Exemplars of concepts vary in their degree of prototypicality. This is also true for emotion concepts. This study presents prototypicality ratings for a large set of Chinese words. The database contains 636 potential Chinese emotion words (i.e., words that directly express particular emotions, like “高兴 happy” and “哀愁 sad”), from different grammatical categories. Native Chinese speakers rated the words in terms of emotional prototypicality. The database also contains values for valence, arousal, and emotionality. The analyses of the ratings revealed that 502 out of 636 words had a high prototypicality value (value equal to or above three on a 1-to-5 scale), the most prototypical words being negative and high-arousal words. The analyses also indicated that the emotional prototypicality of a word was positively related to both arousal and emotionality, and negatively related to valence. Among these variables, arousal was the most important contributor. Similar results have been found in studies conducted in other languages. This will be a useful resource for researchers interested in studying emotion words in the Chinese language and for those interested in cross-linguistic comparisons.