bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hole transport materials mediating hole transfer for high efficiency quantum dot sensitized solar cells
Authors: Lin Yu , Song Han , Zhang Jianxin , Rao Huashang , Pan Zhenxiao , Zhong Xinhua
Published: December 2020

GO modification on a QD-sensitized photoanode improved the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ZCISe QDSCs from the original 12.50% to 13.84%.
A hierarchical carbon nanotube forest supported metal phosphide electrode for efficient overall water splitting
Authors: Wang Zuohui , Wei Chengyu , Zhu Xuebing , Wang Xiaobing , He Jinling , Zhao Yong
Published: December 2020

Metal phosphides on self-supportive CNT forest materials with a hierarchical branched architecture have abundant active sites and excellent electrical conductivity, providing an effective strategy for preparing efficient OER and HER electrodes.
Nonlinear optical effects in two mercury cyanamide/guanidinium chlorides Hg3(NCN)2Cl2and Hg2(C(NH2)3)Cl5
Authors: Qiao Xianji , Liu Xiaomeng , Bayarjargal Lkhamsuren , Corkett Alex J. , Wang Wenyan , Ma Zili , Lin Zheshuai , Dronskowski Richard
Published: December 2020

A new non-linear optical material, mercury cyanamide chloride, exceeds quartz by a factor of two in terms of second-harmonic generation.
4D printed shape memory metamaterial for vibration bandgap switching and active elastic-wave guiding
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Chao , Peng Fang , Wang Wenzhi , Vogt Bryan D. , Tan K. T.
Published: December 2020

By combining the concepts of 4D printing, elastic metamaterial and shape memory effect, a tunable, programmable waveguide strategy is realized.
Carbosilane terminated alkoxycyanobiphenyls for bistable scattering mode LCDs
Authors: Fritsch Luma , Mandle Richard J. , Cowling Stephen J. , Goodby John W.
Published: December 2020

We report the synthesis and characterisation of a family of cyanobiphenyl liquid crystals with varying alkyl chain length and a carbosilane terminal group, and demonstrate their use in ion doped SmA scattering devices.
Bortezomib limits renal allograft interstitial fibrosis by inhibiting NF-κB/TNF-α/Akt/mTOR/P70S6K/Smurf2 pathway via IκBα protein stabilization
Authors: Suo Chuanjian , Gui Zeping , Wang Zijie , Zhou Jiajun , Zheng Ming , Chen Hao , Fei Shuang , Gu Min , Tan Ruoyun
Published: December 2020

Chronic allograft dysfunction is a major cause of late graft failure after kidney transplantation. One of the histological changes is interstitial fibrosis, which is associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Bortezomib has been reported to prevent the progression of fibrosis in organs. We used rat renal transplantation model and human kidney 2 cell line treated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to examine their response to bortezomib. To explore the mechanism behind it, we assessed the previously studied TNF-α/protein kinase B (Akt)/Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2) signaling and performed RNA sequencing. Our results suggested that bortezomib could attenuate the TNF-α-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition and renal allograft interstitial fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. In addition to blocking Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70S6 kinase/Smurf2 signaling, bortezomib’s effect on the epithelial–mesenchymal transition was associated with inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by stabilizing inhibitor of NF-κB. The study highlighted the therapeutic potential of bortezomib on renal allograft interstitial fibrosis. Such an effect may result from inhibition of NF-κB/TNF-α/Akt/mTOR/p70S6 kinase/Smurf2 signaling via stabilizing protein of inhibitor of NF-κB.
Validation of Articulatory Rate and Imprecision Judgments in Speech of Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Waito Ashley A. , Wehbe Farah , Marzouqah Reeman , Barnett Carolina , Shellikeri Sanjana , Cui Cindy , Abrahao Agessandro , Zinman Lorne , Green Jordan R. , Yunusova Yana
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Perceptual judgments of articulatory function are commonly used by speech-language pathologists to evaluate articulatory performance in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The goal of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties (e.g., reliability, validity) of these perceptual measures to inform their application as part of a comprehensive bulbar assessment tool in ALS.

Method

Preexisting data from 51 individuals with ALS were obtained from a larger longitudinal study. Five independent raters provided perceptual judgments of articulatory rate and imprecision in a sentence task. Inter- and intrarater reliability of these judgments were assessed. Perceptual ratings were correlated with an acoustic measure of articulatory rate, in syllables per second, obtained from passage-reading recordings. Both perceptual and acoustic measures were correlated with gold-standard kinematic tongue and jaw movement measures, recorded from sentences using electromagnetic articulography.

Results

The results revealed good inter- and intrarater reliability of perceptual judgments of articulatory function. Strong correlations were observed between perceptual ratings of articulatory rate and imprecision and acoustic measures of articulatory rate and kinematic measures of tongue speed.

Conclusions

These findings support the clinical application of perceptual judgments of articulatory function as valid and reliable measures of underlying articulatory changes in bulbar ALS. Additional research is needed to understand the responsiveness of these measures to clinical changes in articulatory function in ALS.
Robustly coordinated operational scheduling of a grid‐connected seaport microgrid under uncertainties
Authors: Hein Kyaw , Xu Yan , Gary Wilson , Gupta Amit Kumar
Published: December 2020

The modern seaport system is becoming more electrified by integrating energy storage system, offshore renewable energy sources (RESs), and shore‐to‐ship power supply system. The energy management and operational scheduling aim to maximise the profit gain by transacting energy with the main grid, reduce the operation cost while minimising the emission at seaport territory. This work proposes a robustly coordinated operational scheduling method of a seaport microgrid as a grid‐integrated energy hub under uncertain renewable energy sources power output and load demand. In the day‐ahead operation planning, generators, unit commitment and shore‐to‐ship load schedules are optimised. To address the uncertainty in the renewable energy sources, the day‐ahead operation planning is modelled as a two‐stage robust optimisation model with conflicting objectives and solved with the column and constraints generation algorithm. These results are used as input parameters for the hour‐ahead generation scheduling in the following day. With uncertainty realisation, a shorter time horizon with higher time resolution deterministic optimisation is carried out for the generation dispatch. The proposed method is verified with the IEEE‐33 bus distribution network with different uncertainties sets. The simulation results have verified the robustness and effectiveness of the method in dealing with uncertainties. Coordination between day‐ahead and hour‐ahead not only improves the accuracy and performance of the final dispatch result but also meets the distribution network constraints at generation and load buses.
Sharing reserves through HVDC: Potential cost savings in the Nordic countries
Authors: Tosatto Andrea , Dijokas Matas , Weckesser Tilman , Chatzivasileiadis Spyros , Eriksson Robert
Published: December 2020

During summer 2018, the Nordic system's kinetic energy dropped below a critical level. As a consequence, Svenska kraftnät, the Swedish transmission system operator, requested the largest production unit to reduce its power output to guarantee system's security. This action resulted in a deviation from the generation dispatch determined by the market and in high costs for the Nordic transmission system operators. In this regard, this paper presents a tool for comparing mitigation strategies from an economic point of view and evaluates potential economic benefits of utilizing the emergency power control functionality of high‐voltage direct current lines for the provision of fast reserves as a compliment to frequency containment reserves. Moreover, the analysis is extended to the years 2020 and 2025 using inertia estimations from the Nordic transmission system operators. The findings of the paper suggest that the frequency of redispatching actions will increase in the future and that the cost of security for Nordic transmission system operators could be reduced by 70% if high‐voltage direct current links are used for frequency support.
Energy recovery strategy for regenerative braking system of intelligent four‐wheel independent drive electric vehicles
Authors: Li Liang , Ping Xianyao , Shi Jialei , Wang Xiangyu , Wu Xiuheng
Published: December 2020

Regenerative braking system can recovery energy in various electric vehicles. Considering large computation load of global optimization methods, most researches adopt instantaneous or local algorithms to optimize the recuperation energy, and incline to study straight deceleration processes. However, uncertain drivers' intentions limit the potential exploration of economy improvement, and simple test conditions do not reflect the complexity of actual driving cycles. Herein, an innovative control architecture is designed for intelligent vehicles to overcome these challenges to some extent. Compared with traditional vehicles, driverless ones would eliminate drivers' interferences, and have more freedoms to optimize energy recovery, route tracking and dynamics stability. Specifically, a series regenerative braking system is designed, and then a three‐level control architecture is first proposed to coordinate three performances. In the top layer, some rules with maximum recuperation energy is exploited off‐line for optimising the velocity and control commands on‐line. In the middle layer, local algorithm is used to track the commands and complex routes for optimal energy from a global perspective. In the bottom layer, hydraulic and regenerative toques are allocated. Tests are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the design and control schemes.
Validation of the IRI‐2016 model with Indian NavIC data for future navigation applications
Authors: Devireddy Kavitha , Narsetty Santhosh , Ramavath Anil Kumar , Perumalla Naveen Kumar
Published: December 2020

The position accuracy of Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system is affected by several sources of errors. Among them, the Ionospheric Time Delay (ITD) error is the most predominant one which depends upon the total electron content (TEC) present in the ionosphere. The ITD variations are more intense over low latitude regions due to the equatorial anomaly effects. Hence, modelling of ITD error is necessary. The International Reference Ionosphere (IRI)‐2016 model is one of the standard global ionospheric models to estimate the Vertical TEC (VTEC). This paper discusses about the VTEC deviations due to the IRI‐2016 model over low latitude Hyderabad station, Indian region using NavIC, Global Positioning System and Global Navigation Satellite System signals at corresponding Ionospheric Pierce Point latitude and longitudes for all months and various Kp indices during the low solar activity year 2017. In this work, cross correlation coefficient, the metric norm (L2N), Symmetric Kullbacke Leibler Distance metrics are used to evaluate the performance of IRI‐2016 model TEC with NavIC, GPS and GLONASS data. From the results, it is found that TEC predicted by the IRI‐2016 model produced smaller estimation errors with NavIC data over Indian region. The obtained results will be helpful for future updates of IRI model.
Informational Resources for Innovations in Engineering Education
Authors: Bobrov Leonid K. , Utepbergenov Irbulat T. , Timofeev Victor B.
Published: December 2020

The high growth rates of digital data induce enterprises and organizations to pay more attention to information management. This is reflected in proper standards, frameworks and other normative and guidance documents. In these conditions the tasks of building the competencies of the specialists in managing business information and implementing the relevant training programs for engineering personnel are shown to be very relevant for developing the innovative economy. The list of information management standards is given, and the BiSL framework is highlighted to be important in outlining on the macrolevel the range of professional competencies of the personnel involved in information management processes. Since both Russia and Kazakhstan do not have yet full-fledged and thoroughly practice-approved competency standards for business information management specialists working in various applied fields, it is proposed to use European experience in creating a unified framework of professional ICT competence when developing educational programs. The determining role of world informational resources and technologies for their use in forming the basic infrastructure of innovations is substantiated. The informational resources specific to various staged of the innovation life cycle are characterized. The concise description of the project for creating the system of innovation informational support in the Republic of Kazakhstan is given. The requirements to the metainformation database containing descriptions of the informational resources are formulated. The introduction is given to the metadata format based on the «Dublin Core» which defines the composition and semantics of data elements. Within the framework of the system being developed it is proposed to build a procedure for searching the relevant information based on the use of production models.
The Features of Building Integrated Digital Educational Environment for Engineering Education
Authors: Slastnikov Sergey A. , Korolev Denis A. , Belov Aleksandr V.
Published: December 2020

The work describes the approaches and technologies applied in building the digital educational environment for training students of engineering courses in MIEM HSE. Such an environment intended to cover all aspects of the educational process for engineers, considering modern tendentiousness of higher education: particularly, academic and project parts, online and offline components of the educational process.
Metaanamorphosical Method as a Project-based Approach for the University Course on Decision Support Methods
Authors: Terekhov Valery I. , Skvortsova Maria A.
Published: December 2020

We considered project-based training as an approach to the training of engineers in modern conditions and proposed to implement it in the field of intelligent decision support methods. As a specific example, we suggested a metaanamorphization method, which allows us to activate the visual-figurative thinking mechanisms of the decision maker and facilitates decision-making in a difficult environment or finding a solution to a complex problem. We presented the mathematical formulation of the problem, a method working in real time and a description of the algorithm. The advantages of the constructed metaanamorphoses as a part of the decision support system were presented. We considered a method for calculating the integral anamorphic index combining individual anamorphic indicators of various physical nature relevant within the decision making process. Examples of constructing metaanamorphosis using the integral indicator of anamorphism are given.
Implantation of Digital Technology in Engineering Education as an Example of Study at Bauman Moscow State Technical University Discipline “Technology of Construction Materials”
Authors: Tretyakov Anatoly F. , Serezhkin Mikhail A. , Zubarev Kirill M.
Published: December 2020

The article considers the possibility of using online courses in higher engineering education in order to increase its effectiveness. The organizational and methodological aspects of e-learning at the university are considered, the features of the development of an online technological course are analyzed. Based on a study of the best foreign and Russian practices, the authors suggest a possible option of combining traditional full-time education using an electronic lecture course with voice-overs by a teacher and an automated knowledge control system for students hosted on the Open BMSTU platform.
Integral Calculus via Nomotex DLS
Authors: Dimitrienko Yuriy I. , Gordin Mikhail P. , Gubareva Elena A. , Pichugina Anna E.
Published: December 2020

The paper describes the peculiarities of the development of an innovative digital course “Integral calculus of functions of one variable” in the digital learning system Nomotex (DLS “NOMOTEX”) [1], designed for classroom and remote classes with digital educational resources.
Inter-University Networking in Mathematical Digital Blended Learning
Authors: Dimitrienko Yury I. , Chibisova Anastasia V. , Chibisov Victor Yu.
Published: December 2020

The concept of blended learning assumes that the student should optimally and in the aggregate use all the opportunities provided by both traditional learning and new digital educational technologies. Blended learning combines the benefits of traditional and e-learning. The use of various models of blended learning allows you to introduce innovative educational technologies into the educational process and build individual educational trajectories for students. Networking contracts are used to effectively implement blended learning at universities. This increases the availability and quality of education, forms unique competencies for training specialists at the intersection of various areas of science and technology, makes it possible to use the material and human resources of other organizations in educational activities, reduces the costs of an educational organization and expands access to modern educational technologies. The article discusses network engineering partnership on the example of BMSTU.
Using Screencasts in Computer Science Classes at a Technical University
Authors: Ustinova Irina G. , Rozhkova Olga V. , Nikolaeva Natalia S.
Published: December 2020

The information technologies applications in various fields of human activity are developing exponentially now. The article considers possibility of using screencasting in a computer science course at a technical university. Screencast is a video that contains a record of actions performed on a computer with the author’s comments. The advantages and disadvantages of this technology in the learning process are considered. It is noted that the technology of on-screen video is distinguished by information richness and strong emotional effect on the student. The application of screencasting in computer science classes at the Tomsk Polytechnic University using the mathematical package MathCad, which has the means to solve all kinds of problems associated with symbolic operations, is presented. The motivation for this study is to increase the student learning process effectiveness. Therefore, the objectives of the study are: to study the possibility of screencasting in the student learning process organization, to study the possibility of using this technology during studying a computer science course, to find out how effectively this method allows to master knowledge in the relevant discipline. The results of study using this technology and the traditional method are analyzed. It is shown that the use of screencasting allows to improve the test results in comparison with the group trained by the traditional method.
Methodological Aspects of the Use of Software in the Teaching of Engineering Disciplines: Tasks, Problems and Prospects
Authors: Romanova Irina K.
Published: December 2020

The main directions of improving training that can be achieved as part of the introduction of new software in the teaching of engineering disciplines are considered. The necessity of ensuring the continuity of training within the framework of a unified concept of using software tools is noted. The analysis of needs in the formation of new competencies based on the results of a survey of graduate students of BMSTU, and the views of employers, which showed the closeness of the representations of students, teachers and employers. It is noted that the developed software application technologies should guarantee their inextricable link. New approaches to the teaching of engineering disciplines based on computer modeling, which are used in world practice, are considered. Trends in the application of modeling technologies, including the use of integrated software products, are noted. The main modern trends are active training and teamwork, group training. These computer technologies have taken the project approach to learning to a new stage. New software products allow not only the formation of special competencies, but also provide the opportunity to acquire important communication skills. New opportunities for student motivation are opening up. Access to an open electronic educational environment, including open packages of applied engineering design programs allows you to create self-education skills, without which it is impossible for an engineer to work in rapidly changing conditions. The active role of the teacher in effective and competent self-education is noted.
The Algorithms of Tajik Speech Synthesis by Syllable
Authors: Khudoyberdiev Khurshed A.
Published: December 2020

This article is devoted to the development of a prototype of a computer synthesizer of Tajik speech by the text. The need for such a synthesizer is caused by the fact that its analogues for other languages not only help people with visual and speech defects, but also find more and more application in communication technology, information and reference systems. In the future, such programs will take their proper place in the broad acoustic dialogue of humans with automatic machines and robotics in various fields of human activity. The article describes the prototype of the Tajik computer synthesizer by the text developed by the author, which is constructed on the principle of a concatenative synthesizer, in which the syllable is chosen as the speech unit, which in turn, indicates the need for the most complete description of the variety of Tajik language syllables. To study the patterns of the Tajik language associated with the concept of syllable, it was introduced the concept of “syllabic structure of the word”. It is obtained the statistical distribution of structures, i.e. a correspondence is established between the syllabic structures of words and the frequencies of their occurrence in texts in the Tajik language. It is proposed an algorithm for breaking Tajik words into syllables, implemented as a computer program. A solution to the problem of Tajik speech synthesis from an arbitrary text is proposed. The article describes the computer implementation of the algorithm for syncronization of words, numbers, characters and text. For each syllable the corresponding sound realization is extracted from the “syllable-sound” database, then the sound of the word is synthesized from the extracted elements.
Damage to Teluk Palu Bridge in the 2018 Sulawesi Earthquake, Indonesia
Authors: Kosa Kenji , Setiawan Hendra , Miyajima Masakatsu , Ono Yusuke , Yoshida Masaho
Published: December 2020

The authors conducted a field survey in the affected area of the 2018 Sulawesi Earthquake, mainly focusing on the damage occurred to the Teluk Palu Bridge in Palu City. It was found that the area around the bridge received approximately 200 gal acceleration and 3 to 6 m tsunami height. From the traces of the tsunami, we estimated that the tsunami reached up to the girder but not up to the arch rib of the bridge. The arch ribs sustained buckling and displaced 2 to 5 m into the water. The main cause of bridge collapse was the earthquake force as local eyewitnesses said the bridge collapsed immediately after the earthquake and before the arrival of the tsunami. In terms of earthquake-resistant design, the following three problems were identified regarding this arch bridge: resisting capacity of the arch rib, resisting capacity of the bearing system, and design concept about the seating length at the pier.
Study on Wave Energy Conversion by Using Oscillating Water Column in Alindau Waters
Authors: Setiyawan  , Affandi Erwin , Arnita Anzar Lisa
Published: December 2020

Growth electricity consumption in central sulawesi encourages increased utilization of conventional resources such as petroleum products and coal as alternative energy plant. It causes some adverse effect either on the environment, health and economy. As a result, the alternative of conversion energy from non-conventional resources must be provided. Central Sulawesi with coastline about 4,013km has immense potential in developing wave energy as an alternative of Renewable Energy Resource. This paper investigated the potential for wave energy conversion in Lindau Water as an alternative of power plant by using Oscillating Water Column System (OWC). The value of significant wave height and periods are calculated based on the Wilson method, which is then analysed to determine the potential of electricity that feasible converted from wave energy in Lindau waters and potential to applicated wave energy conversion using OWC in Lindau Waters. The result found the conversion of Lindau waters wave energy produce the largest power that can be converted is about 21. 000 watts. Its shows the potential that can be applied to coverage the need electricity by using wave energy in Alindau Village.
Review of Regional Geological Structures on the Appearance of Geothermal Manifestations in the “Neck” Region of Western Sulawesi Island
Authors: Imam Abdullah Ahmad , Puspita Riska , Hamad Harly
Published: December 2020

Palu-Koro fault is a major fault in western neck of Sulawesi Island. It is shown by Mw 7. 5 struck the area in 2018. Its trace can be observed by the appearance of surface ruptures. We recorded their geographic coordinates and observed the geological conditions of the surface such as structures form, properties of rocks, and physical properties of local hot springs. Then we conducted a qualitative interpretation by integrating field observation data on several References related regional geological structure of the area. From the results of the review, we suspect that there is a very close relationship between the activities of the geological structure and the appearance of several hot springs in the neck region of western Sulawesi. This is evidenced by the presence of 7 points of manifestation with the same pattern as the direction of orientation of the main fault, which is relatively north-south. However, one of requirements of the manifestation appearance on the surface is the existence of the fractures as up flow channels of geothermal fluids. Heat source is interpreted to come from intrusive igneous rocks as hot rocks conducting heat to the aquifer which heats the hydrological system around the area. We conclude that geothermal manifestations in the western neck of Sulawesi Island are tectonic geothermal related to the geological structures and not to the volcanic activity.
Adaptive reuse to concept of land use planning and design. Case study: Independent integrated city in Morowali, Central Sulawesi
Authors: Arief Irdinal , Thahir Harifuddin
Published: December 2020

Re-adaptation is a method of controlling the use of space, it is also related to and applies to regional regulations regarding the spatial plan of Morowali Regency which is determined as an independent integrated City area in Bungku. The trend of land use at the independent integrated city, Bungku Central Zone, until now functionally has experienced many developments. The main function of the region since its inception was developed as a Regional Government Centre. Sustainability as an important concept in the 20th century has defined “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations” by the World Commission on Environment and Development. In architecture sustainability is characterized as a system which investigates the relationships between the built environment and human being, economical usage of sources and reuse activities, contributes to form liveable environments, improve life quality and provide continuity. Adaptive reuse is one of the sustainable architecture components is seen as an issue to be handled as sustainable resource usage. The sustainability understanding – which has a goal considering the balance of economic growth with conservation – aims to prevent the destruction and disappearance of cultural assets and improve by conserving.
L’effet de la retraite sur la santé
Authors: Garrouste Clémentine , Perdrix Elsa
Published: December 2020

Un système de retraite financé par répartition requiert l’équilibre entre la population qui contribue aux prestations et celle qui en bénéficie. Or, dans la plupart des pays occidentaux, le nombre de personnes âgées (bénéficiaires) augmente plus vite que le nombre d’actifs (contributeurs). Cette constatation a incité les différents gouvernements à mettre en place des réformes visant à augmenter l’âge de départ à la retraite afin d’inverser cette tendance. L’étude des effets de ces réformes sur la santé présente un double intérêt du point de vue de la politique publique. En effet, la pénibilité ou les risques pris dans certaines professions peuvent être à l’origine de coûts en termes de santé, qui peuvent être accentués par un allongement de la durée de carrière. Il semble donc essentiel de mesurer les répercussions sociales de telles réformes et d’avoir une idée précise de leurs effets sur les inégalités de santé. Ces réformes allongeant la durée de vie travaillée pourraient également avoir un impact sur les dépenses de santé, avec le basculement des coûts de la branche retraite vers la branche maladie du système de sécurité sociale, ce qui en conséquence atténuerait les bénéfices attendus de ces réformes. Les études épidémiologiques révèlent l’existence d’une corrélation négative entre retraite et santé (être à la retraite est associé à une moins bonne santé). Pour autant, il est difficile d’en déduire que partir à la retraite détériore l’état de santé. En effet, certains individus restent plus longtemps en emploi, justement parce que leur état de santé le leur permet. Dans cette revue, nous présentons une analyse comparée des résultats obtenus dans la littérature, en nous focalisant sur l’effet causal de la retraite sur la santé, et non l’inverse (→). Nous distinguons ainsi trois éléments : le départ à la retraite, c’est-à-dire la transition entre l’emploi et la retraite ; l’allongement de l’âge de départ à la retraite ; et la réduction de l’âge de départ à la retraite. Nous examinerons ainsi les mécanismes pouvant expliquer le lien entre retraite et santé et détaillerons les outils permettant d’en identifier l’effet causal. Nous présenterons ensuite les résultats empiriques (ou observationnels) issus d’études examinant ce lien de causalité.

(→) Voir le Forum de T. Barnay, m/s n° 10, octobre 2016, page 889
Plasmasphere and topside ionosphere reconstruction using METOP satellite data during geomagnetic storms
Authors: Prol Fabricio S. , Hoque Mohammed M. , Ferreira Arthur A.
Published: December 2020

As part of the space weather monitoring, the response of the ionosphere and plasmasphere to geomagnetic storms is typically under continuous supervision by operational services. Fortunately, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers on board low Earth orbit satellites provides a unique opportunity for developing image representations that can capture the global distribution of the electron density in the plasmasphere and topside ionosphere. Among the difficulties of plasmaspheric imaging based on GNSS measurements, the development of procedures to invert the total electron content (TEC) into electron density distributions remains as a challenging task. In this study, a new tomographic reconstruction technique is presented to estimate the electron density from TEC data along the METOP (METeorological OPerational) satellites. The proposed method is evaluated during four geomagnetic storms to check the capabilities of the tomography for space weather monitoring. The investigation shows that the developed method can successfully capture and reconstruct well-known enhancement and decrease of electron density variabilities during storms. The comparison with in-situ electron densities has shown an improvement around 11% and a better description of plasma variabilities due to the storms compared to the background. Our study also reveals that the plasmasphere TEC contribution to ground-based TEC may vary 10–60% during geomagnetic storms, and the contribution tends to reduce during the storm-recovery phase.
Emergency Ocular Ultrasound – Common Traumatic and Non-Traumatic Emergencies Diagnosed with Bedside Ultrasound
Authors: Hoffmann Beatrice , Schafer Jesse M. , Dietrich Christoph F.
Published: December 2020

Point-of-care ocular ultrasound (POCOUS) in the ambulatory and critical care setting has become an invaluable diagnostic tool for patients presenting with traumatic or atraumatic vision and ocular complaints. Sonographic bedside evaluation is intuitive and easy to perform and can accurately diagnose a variety of pathologies. These include detachment or hemorrhage of the retina or vitreous, lens dislocation, retrobulbar hematoma or air, as well as ocular foreign bodies, infections, tumors, and increased optic nerve sheath diameter that can be assessed in the setting of suspected increased intracranial pressure. The ocular anatomy is easy to visualize with sonography, as the eye is a superficial structure filled with fluid. Over the last two decades, a large number of scientific publications have documented that POCOUS in emergent or critical care settings is an accurate diagnostic tool and expands and improves emergency diagnosis and management. This article will review POCOUS exam techniques as well as normal sonographic findings and common pathologies.
Regulierung der Prostitution in Deutschland seit den 1980er-Jahren: Ein Schritt vor und zwei Schritte zurück?
Authors: Steffan Elfriede
Published: December 2020

Der vorliegende Kommentar skizziert die Entwicklung der Regulierung von Prostitution in Deutschland seit den 1980er-Jahren. Er geht auf das 2001 eingeführte Infektionsschutzgesetz (IfSG), das 2002 eingeführte Prostitutionsgesetz (ProstG) sowie auf das 2017 in Kraft getretene Prostituiertenschutzgesetz (ProstSchG) ein und erklärt, welche politischen Positionen hinter der Regulierung stehen. Zudem werden die Auswirkungen der Gesetzgebung auf die Sexarbeiter*innen kritisch beurteilt.
CT- und MRT-Bildgebung in der Rhythmologie
Authors: Halbfaß Philipp , Foldyna Borek , Lehmkuhl Lukas , Nentwich Karin , Sonne Kai , Ene Elena , Berkovitz Artur , Deneke Thomas
Published: December 2020

Die Anwendung bildgebender Verfahren gewinnt in der interventionellen Elektrophysiologie entgegen der geringen Beachtung in den aktuell geltenden nationalen und internationalen Leitlinien zur Behandlung von Patienten mit Vorhofflimmern und ventrikulären Tachykardien auch über die reine Diagnostik zugrunde liegender struktureller Herzerkrankungen hinaus immer mehr an Bedeutung. Die breite Anwendung der Computertomografie (CT) und der Magnetresonanztomografie (MRT) ergibt sich aus den spezifischen Möglichkeiten dieser bildgebenden Techniken heraus: Gewebecharakterisierung des Myokards auf Vorhof- und Kammerebene mit präziser Darstellung von Infarktnarben, Grenzzonen und vitalem Myokard (MRT inklusive Late-Gadolinium-Enhancement-Darstellung); hochauflösende Darstellung wichtiger anatomischer Strukturen inklusive der Koronararterien und präzise Identifizierung von kritischer ventrikulärer Wandausdünnung im Infarktareal (CT); Identifizierung potenzieller Komplikationen nach
Vorhofflimmerablation (Pulmonalvenenstenosen, Ösophagusruptur oder -fistel). Stärken und Schwächen sowie mögliche relative und absolute Kontraindikationen bei der Anwendung dieser beiden Methoden müssen jedoch berücksichtigt werden. Generell kann die Anwendung bildgebender Verfahren insbesondere für die Therapieplanung und -steuerung als wertvolle Ergänzung mit der Möglichkeit der Steigerung von Effektivität und Sicherheit gesehen werden. Prospektive randomisierte Studien liegen jedoch zu wichtigen aktuellen Anwendungsbereichen der CT und MRT noch nicht vor. Wichtigste Grundlage der interventionellen Elektrophysiologie in der Therapie supraventrikulärer und ventrikulärer Arrhythmien wird noch auf lange Sicht die Anwendung klassischer elektrophysiologischer Manöver und Strategien sowie die Verwendung sich immer weiter entwickelnder elektroanatomischer Mappingsysteme bleiben.
Late Implant Failure in Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (M6-C, Spinal Kinetics) Causing Radiculopathy and Myelopathy
Authors: Pingel Andreas , Hoffmann Christoph-Heinrich , Scholz Matti , Kandziora Frank
Published: December 2020

Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) is an approved surgical treatment option in selected patients with cervical spinal disc degeneration. Even though CDA is a standard procedure since 20 years, there is a lack of information about long term performance. The published reoperation rates after CDA are low and comparable to anterior cervical fusion. The authors describe a severe failure and dysfunction with a partial core dislocation of a cervical prosthesis into the spinal canal (M6-C, Spinal Kinetics, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Six years after implantation of a cTDR (cervical Total Disk Replacement) of the M6 type at C4/5 level, a 52 year-old women presented herself with new clinical signs of cervical myelopathy and radicular pain. Complete posterior dislocation of the central core of the implant into the spinal canal was identified as a cause. The failed device was removed completely and an ACCF (anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion) was performed. Intraoperatively, rupture of
the posterior portion of the mesh tissue with posterior dislocation of the whole prosthesis core was detected. This is the second described case of a severe implant failure with core dislocation in this type of cTDR device. Even though there are thousands of successful implantations and middle term outcomes, it seems to be necessary to continue with long term radiological follow up to exclude similar failure in this type of prosthesis.
Medial Hoffa Fracture: Description of a Novel Classification System and Rationale for Treatment Based on Fragment-Specific Fixation Strategy
Authors: Pires Robinson Esteves , Bidolegui Fernando , Pereira Sebastián , Giordano Vincenzo , Giordano Marcos , Schröter Steffen
Published: December 2020

Purpose This study aims to present a novel classification system and a rationale for treatment of medial Hoffa fractures.

Methods We developed a simple comprehensive classification system for medial Hoffa fractures based on the fragment size and presence of fracture comminution. Furthermore, we propose
a treatment algorithm based on two pillars: our case series of nine patients presenting medial Hoffa fractures and the best evidence-based pertinent literature. Fracture healing, range of
motion, function, and complications were evaluated after a minimum of 6 months follow-up.

Results All fractures healed with no loss of reduction. Knee flexion ranged from 90 – 130° (mean 110°, standard deviation 15.2). Knee extension ranged from 0 – 10° (mean 1°, standard
deviation 3.3). Knee function according to the Lysholm score ranged from 74 – 96 points (mean 85, standard deviation 6.3). There were no complications such as infection, fixation failure, or
medial femoral condyle osteonecrosis. One patient required hardware removal due to soft tissue irritation and one patient underwent knee mobilization under anesthesia after 8 weeks of
fracture fixation due to knee stiffness.

Conclusion The presented rationale for treatment based on the new classification system is a simple and effective strategy on the decision-making process for adequate management of
medial Hoffa fractures.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Docking Study of New Pyrimidine Compounds as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Boumi Shahin , Moghimirad Jafar , Ostad Seyed Nasser , Amanlou Massoud , Tavajohi Shohreh , Amini Mohsen
Published: December 2020

Objectives The microtubule is composed of αβ tubulin heterodimers and is an attractive target for the design of anticancer drugs. Over the years, various compounds have been developed and their effect on tubulin polymerization has been studied. Despite a great efforts to make an effective drug, no drug has been introduced which inhibit Colchicine binding site.

Methods In the current work a series of pyrimidine derivatives were designed and synthesized. Furthermore their cytotoxic activities were evaluated and molecular docking studies were performed. Twelve compounds of pyrimidine were synthesized in 3 different groups. In the first group, 4,6-diaryl pyrimidine was connected to the third aryl group via thio-methylene spacer. In the second group, this linker was substituted by sulfoxide-methylene moiety and in the third group sulfone-methylene group was used as spacer.

Results The cytotoxic activity of these compounds were evaluated against 3 different cancerous cell lines (HT-29, MCF-7, T47D) as well as normal cell line (NIH3T3). Compounds in group 2 showed the best cytotoxicity and compound 7d showed the most potent cytotoxic activity against all cell lines. Molecular modelling studies revealed that compound 7d could strongly bind to the colchicine binding site of tubulin.

Conclusion Altogether, with respect to obtained results, it is attractive and beneficial to further investigation on pyrimidine scaffold as antimitotic agents.
Highly Efficient Copper-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Cross-Coupling of Azoles with α-Amino Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Zhu Zhi-Qiang , Le Zhang-Gao , Ji Jiu-Jian , Xie Zong-Bo , Tang Juan , Yuan En
Published: December 2020

A novel and highly efficient dehydrogenative cross-coupling­ reaction between α-amino carbonyl compounds and azoles by copper catalysis using di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP) as an oxidant is described­. A diverse range of azoles undergo the dehydrogenative imidoylation smoothly with various α-amino carbonyl compounds for the exclusive formation of the corresponding N-imidoyl azoles in high yields under air. The synthetic method has the advantages of good functional-group tolerance, wide substrate scope, excellent yields, and simple operation­, thus providing a convenient and practical protocol for the synthesis of functionalized azoles.
Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: Impact of Neurologic Status, Bleeding, and Type of Treatment on Final Outcome
Authors: García-Duque Sara , García-Leal Roberto , Iza-Vallejo Begoña , Castro-Reyes Enrique , Fortea Fernando , Villoria Francisco , Langer David J. , Diamantopoulos Jorge , Belda-Iniesta Cristobal , Ayuso-Sacido Angel
Published: December 2020

Background Well-designed studies assessing the treatment outcome of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are infrequent and have not consistently included all of the available treatment modalities, making their results not completely generalizable. Moreover, the predictors of poor outcome are not well defined.

Methods We performed an observational retrospective study of AVM patients. We included patients with clinical, radiologic, and outcome data, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Neurologic outcome was documented using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at the AVM diagnosis and 30 days after the treatment.

Results There were 117 patients, with equal male/female proportion. The mean follow-up time was 51 months. Treatment distribution in the Spetzler–Martin grades I–III was as follows: 52 (54.6%) surgery, 31 (32.35%) radiosurgery, 2 (0.02%) embolization, and 11 (12%) conservative follow-up. Treatment distribution in Spetzler–Martin grades IV and V was as follows: 4 (20%) surgery, 7 (35%) radiosurgery, and 10 (45%) conservative follow-up. Poor neurologic outcome (mRS ≥ 3) was significantly associated with poor clinical status at diagnosis (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score< 14; odds ratio [OR]: 0.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.001–0.396; p = 0.010). The rupture of the AVM was associated with poor neurologic outcome. The Lawton–Young Supplementary scale (LYSS) proved to be the most effective in predicting poor outcome. The existence of seizures, treatment-related complications, and conservative treatment was associated with the worsening of the mRS score, whereas the existence of hemorrhage was associated with the likelihood of disability.

Conclusion Our results suggest that poor neurologic status at diagnosis, AVM rupture, and conservative treatment were associated with worse outcome. Hemorrhage as initial presentation is related to disability, not with mRS worsening. The LYSS appeared to be the best method to predict outcome.
Experience with Eslicarbazepine Acetate Treatment at a Pediatric Epilepsy Center
Authors: Tanritanir Ahmet , Wang Xiaofan , Loddenkemper Tobias
Published: December 2020

Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a novel, once-daily antiseizure medication. We evaluated the efficacy and safety profile of ESL treatment in epilepsy patients at a single tertiary epilepsy center. In this retrospective observational study, we included 32 patients with pharmacologically intractable epilepsy receiving ESL at Boston Children's Hospital from June 2014 to June 2018. We assessed treatment outcome in terms of efficacy and tolerability at first and last follow-up (f/u). Median age was 17 (interquartile range: 10.8–20.7; range: 6.5–36) years. Twelve (37.5%) patients, including three with seizure freedom, were responders at last f/u. Eleven patients discontinued ESL due to seizure worsening (9, 28%), adverse events (AEs) (2, 6%) or both (4, 12%). Responders showed greater seizure reduction at last f/u with fewer AEs as compared with nonresponders. Ten (31%) patients developed AEs, the most common being sleep problems (5, 15%). One-year retention rate with ESL treatment was 54%. In conclusion, ESL had a good response rate in patients with pharmacologically intractable epilepsy, with about one-third of patients developing AEs.
KCNQ2 Encephalopathy and Responsiveness to Pyridoxal-5′-Phosphate
Authors: Chow Chit Kwong , Luk Ho Ming , Wong Suet Na
Published: December 2020

KCNQ2 mutations encompass a wide range of phenotypes, ranging from benign familial neonatal seizure to a clinical spectrum of early-onset epileptic encephalopathy that occurs in the early neonatal period. We report an infant with KCNQ2 encephalopathy presenting as neonatal seizure, initially controlled by two anticonvulsants. Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed repetitive multifocal epileptiform discharges, which remained similar after administration of intravenous pyridoxine injection. Seizure recurred at the age of 3 months preceded by an episode of minor viral infection, which occurred multiple times per day. No significant change in seizure frequency was observed after 5-day oral pyridoxine trial, but subsequently, there was dramatic seizure improvement with oral pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP). We hope to alert clinicians that in patients with neonatal epileptic encephalopathy, particularly with known KCNQ2 mutations, intravenous injection of pyridoxine (preferably with EEG monitoring), followed by both oral trial of pyridoxine and PLP should be considered. KCNQ2 mutations should also be considered in vitamin B6-responsive patients.