bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ACHEMA Pulse – Erfahrungen aus der Sicht von Studierenden
Authors: Cheng Nan , Händle Katalin , Naumann André , Ossamy‐Dornemann Ben , Riegert Sydney , Serra Sebastian , Wang Zixuan
Published: September 2021

Alle drei Jahre öffnet die ACHEMA in Frankfurt ihre Tore für internationale Besucher und Aussteller aus der Prozessindustrie für chemische Technik, Verfahrenstechnik und Biotechnologie. Die diesjährige Pandemielage führte zur Verschiebung der Präsenzveranstaltung auf 2022. Als Ersatz wurde die ACHEMA Pulse angeboten. Die interaktive Online‐Veranstaltung beinhaltete digitale Unternehmens‐ und Produktprofile und ermöglichte die persönliche Kontaktaufnahme via Chat‐, Audio‐ oder Videofunktion. Zudem wurden an zwei Live‐Tagen zahlreiche Fachvorträge, Workshops oder Produktvorführungen angeboten. Hier wird von persönlichen Erfahrungen bei der ACHEMA Pulse berichtet.
PD‐L1 expression in megakaryocytes and its clinicopathological features in primary myelofibrosis patients
Authors: Lee Sze‐Hwei , Lin Chien‐Chin , Wei Chao‐Hong , Chang Ko‐Ping , Yuan Chang‐Tsu , Tsai Cheng‐Hong , Liu Jia‐Hao , Hou Hsin‐An , Tang Jih‐Lu , Chou Wen‐Chien , Tien Hwei‐Fang
Published: September 2021

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are characterized by upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and immune dysregulation, which provide a reasonable basis for immunotherapy in patients. Megakaryocytes are crucial in the pathogenesis of primary myelofibrosis (PMF), the most clinically aggressive subtype of MPN. In this study, we aimed to explore PD‐L1 (programmed death‐ligand 1) expression in megakaryocytes and its clinical implications in PMF. We analyzed PD‐L1 expression on megakaryocytes in PMF patients by immunohistochemistry and correlated the results with clinicopathological features and molecular aberrations. We employed a two‐tier grading system considering both the proportion of cells positively stained and the intensity of staining. Among the 85 PMF patients, 41 (48%) showed positive PD‐L1 expression on megakaryocytes with the immune‐reactive score ranging from 1 to 12. PD‐L1 expression correlated closely with higher white blood cell count (p = 0.045), overt myelofibrosis (p = 0.010), JAK2V617F mutation (p = 0.011), and high‐molecular risk mutations (p = 0.045), leading to less favorable overall survival in these patients (hazard ratio 0.341, 95% CI 0.135–0.863, p = 0.023). Our study provides unique insights into the interaction between immunologic and molecular phenotypes in PMF patients. Future work to explore the translational potential of PD‐L1 in the clinical setting is needed.
Multiscale decomposition and fusion‐based color contrast restoration for various water‐colored environments
Authors: Kalyana Sundara Rajan Sivamani , Damodaran Nedumaran
Published: September 2021

Underwater image processing is a vast area of research to identify blurred objects in the ocean or sea environments. The light absorbed and scattered by the underwater medium create artifacts in the acquired images due to low‐light effects, poor visibility, darkness, illumination variation, and color contrast degradation. In this research work, a novel optical image preprocessing framework was proposed to restore the color contrast of images obtained from various water‐colored environments. Domain transform‐based multiscale image decomposition method was used to extract the base, residual, and detail layers. Then, the smoothed image was reconstructed from the base layer by applying the adaptive iterative backward‐projection algorithm. To obtain dehazed images, a multiscale fusion‐based algorithm was developed, which fused the detail layers and reconstructed the images. The outcome of the proposed framework revealed that the contrast degradation and low‐light‐related artifacts present in the acquired images from various water‐colored environments were found to be considerably reduced. The experimental results of the proposed method exhibit scalable improvements over the other methods in terms of visual perception and estimated performance metrics (underwater image quality measure = 6.1186; peak signal‐to‐noise ratio = 26.68; feature points matching = 96 points; semantic image segmentation accuracy = 0.8465 and processing time of 0.11 seconds on a single image). The novelty of this method relies on the fusion of well‐established techniques, which outperformed the advanced techniques like deep learning method in terms of simplicity, speed, performance, datasets, image resolution, and applications.
The Continuous‐Time Lace Expansion
Authors: Brydges David , Helmuth Tyler , Holmes Mark
Published: September 2021

We derive a continuous‐time lace expansion for a broad class of self‐interacting continuous‐time random walks. Our expansion applies when the self‐interaction is a sufficiently nice function of the local time of a continuous‐time random walk. As a special case we obtain a continuous‐time lace expansion for a class of spin systems that admit continuous‐time random walk representations.

We apply our lace expansion to the n‐component model on when n=1,2, and prove that the critical Green's function is asymptotically a multiple of when and the coupling is weak. As another application of our method, we establish the analogous result for the lattice Edwards model at weak coupling. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Two‐Part Phase 1 Multiple‐Ascending‐Dose Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacodynamics, and Pharmacokinetics of TRV734 in Healthy Adults
Authors: Ramos Kimberly A. , James Ian E. , Skobieranda Franck , Soergel David G. , Ruff Dennis , Fossler Michael J.
Published: September 2021

TRV734, an oral G‐protein biased ligand at the μ‐opioid receptor has demonstrated differentiated pharmacology in preclinical studies compared to unbiased ligands. First‐time‐in‐human data suggested that TRV734 was safe and well tolerated and caused effective pain relief after single doses of 150 to 250 mg. In this study, safety and tolerability of multiple ascending doses of TRV734, and single doses of TRV734 125 mg following various administration paradigms, in healthy subjects were evaluated. In both parts of the study, TRV734 was generally well tolerated with no serious adverse events. Pharmacokinetics of TRV734 were similar when TRV734 125 mg was administered following a high‐fat or standard meal. Compared to either of the fed conditions, maximum concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time curve did not change, and time to maximum concentration was 1.5 hours later when TRV734 125 mg was administered as 3 split portions over 120 minutes under fasted conditions. Split doses of TRV734 delayed time to peak decrease in pupil diameter. Following multiple‐dose administration of TRV734 60 to 175 mg every 6 hours, there was a trend of slightly less‐than‐dose proportional increase of maximum concentration, and area under the plasma concentration–time curve and accumulation was modest. Time to maximum concentration was ≈1 to 2 hours and elimination half‐life ≈1.9 to 2.5 hours. The analgesic effect of TRV734 on the cold pain test was generally dose proportional and similar to that of oxycodone 10 mg immediate release, after both the first and last doses. There was a dose‐related decrease in pupil diameter following administration of TRV734 up to TRV734 125 mg every 6 hours. A favorable trend in bowel function index for TRV734 warrants continued study.
A pilot randomized control trial of online exposure for eating disorders and mechanisms of change delivered after discharge from intensive eating disorder care: A registered report
Authors: Levinson Cheri A. , Ralph‐Nearman Christina , Brown Mackenzie L. , Gardner Taylor , Cardi Valentina , Treasure Janet , Purves Kirstin , Eley Thalia C.
Published: September 2021

More than 50% of individuals with an eating disorder (ED) will readmit to treatment within 6 months of treatment discharge and often due to persistent cognitive ED pathology. Interventions addressing unremitted cognitive ED pathology following discharge from intensive treatment are crucial to prevent readmission. Imaginal exposure therapy facilitates the approach of feared stimuli not accessible in everyday life (e.g., rapidly gaining weight). In the current pilot randomized control trial (RCT), participants will be randomly assigned to a five‐session online imaginal exposure condition (n = 65) or a control online writing and thinking intervention (n = 65) within a month of discharge from intensive treatment. Exposure participants write about and imagine an ED fear and control participants will write about their ED generally. We will examine the feasibility and acceptability of the treatment conditions and whether imaginal exposure is more effective in preventing readmission than the control condition. We will test the efficacy of the imaginal exposure treatment in reducing ED symptoms and fears of food and weight gain, and whether fear learning is a mechanism of change related to ED pathology. Ultimately, this research will lead to the development of an easily deployable readmission prevention treatment based on fear conditioning targets.
Factors associated with lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity of patients with heart failure
Authors: Jaarsma Tiny , Perkiö Kato Naoko , Ben Gal Tuvia , Bäck Maria , Chialà Oronzo , Evangelista Lorraine , Mårtensson Jan , Piepoli Massimo F. , Vellone Ercole , Klompstra Leonie , Strömberg Anna ,   HF‐Wii study team
Published: September 2021

Aims

Improvement in exercise capacity is the primary goal of physical activity programmes for patients with heart failure (HF). Although activity programmes are effective for some patients, others do not benefit. Identifying factors related to a lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity may help us interpret findings and design new interventions. The aim of this study is to identify factors contributing to a lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity 3 months after physical activity advice or an exergame intervention in patients with HF. Additionally, we aimed to assess differences in lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity of patients whose baseline exercise capacity predicted a worse compared with better prognosis of HF.

Methods and results

This secondary analysis of the HF‐Wii study analysed baseline and 3 month data of the 6 min walk test (6MWT) from 480 patients (mean age 67 years, 72% male). Data were analysed separately in patients with a pre‐defined 6 min walking distance at baseline of <300 m (n = 79) and ≥300 m (n = 401). Among patients with a baseline 6MWT of ≥300 m, 18% had deteriorated submaximal exercise capacity. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, lower baseline levels of self‐reported physical activity [odds ratio (OR) = 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.60–0.97], lower baseline levels of cognitive function (OR = 0.87, 95%CI = 0.79–0.96) were significantly associated with lack of improvement in exercise capacity at 3 months. Not randomized to exergaming (OR = 0.63, 95%CI = 0.37–1.09) was likely (P = 0.097) to be associated with lack of improvement in exercise capacity at 3 months. Among the 79 patients with baseline 6MWT of <300 m, 41% (n = 32) did not improve 6MWT distance at 3 months. Independent predictors for the lack of improvement for 6MWT were New York Heart Association class III/IV (OR = 4.68, 95%CI = 1.08–20.35), higher levels of serum creatinine (OR = 1.02, 95%CI = 1.003–1.03), lower cognitive function (OR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.75–0.99), and fewer anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.84, 95%CI = 0.72–0.98).

Conclusions

Lower self‐reported physical activity and cognitive impairment predict lack of improvement in submaximal exercise capacity in HF patients. Patients who have a worse prognosis (score <300 m at the 6MWT) are often frail and gain less in exercise capacity. These patients may need a more comprehensive approach to have an effect on exercise capacity, including an individually tailored exercise programme with aerobic exercise (if tolerated) and strength exercises.
Initial experience covering 50 consecutive cases of large Impella implantation at a single heart centre
Authors: Sugimura Yukiharu , Katahira Shintaro , Immohr Moritz Benjamin , Sipahi Nihat Firat , Mehdiani Arash , Assmann Alexander , Rellecke Philipp , Tudorache Igor , Westenfeld Ralf , Boeken Udo , Aubin Hug , Lichtenberg Artur , Akhyari Payam
Published: September 2021

Aims

Pre‐operative or post‐operative heart failure (HF) and cardiogenic shock of various natures frequently remain refractory to conservative treatment and require mechanical circulatory support. We report our clinical experience with large Impella systems (5.0 or 5.5; i.e. Impella 5+) (Abiomed Inc., Boston, USA) and evaluate the parameters that determined patient outcome.

Methods and results

The initial 50 cases of Impella 5+ implanted for acute HF between November 2018 and August 2020 at a single centre were enrolled in this study. Data, including preoperative characteristics, perioperative clinical course information, and post‐operative outcomes, were retrospectively collected from the hospital data management and quality assurance system. Descriptive and univariate analyses were performed. Among the 49 patients in this study, 28 (56.0%) survived in the first 30 days post‐operatively, and 3 died of non‐cardiac reasons later. In‐hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with biventricular failure [P < 0.01, odds ratio (OR) 5.63] or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (P = 0.02, OR 15.8), whereas ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) was associated with lower mortality (P = 0.03, OR 0.24). Interestingly, the mortality was comparable between the ‘solo’ Impella group and the veno‐arterial extracorporal membrane oxygenation (va‐ECMO) plus Impella (ECMELLA) group, despite the severity of the patients' profile in the ECMELLA group (‘solo’ vs. ECMELLA; 55.6% vs. 52.6%, P = 1.00). All patients who received an additional temporary right ventricular assist device (tRVAD) were successfully weaned from va‐ECMO.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that biventricular failure and DCM are predictors of higher mortality in patients with Impella. Considering the pathophysiology of HF, implantation of a large Impella system seems to be promising, especially for ICM patients. The large Impella system might be more effective for better prognosis of patients under va‐ECMO, and combination therapy with tRVAD seems to be a promising strategy for early weaning from va‐ECMO.
Co‐Precipitation of Fe−Cu Bimetal Oxalates in an Aqueous Solution and Their Thermally Induced Decomposition
Authors: Kopp Josef , Novák Petr , Lisníková Soňa , Vrba Vlastimil , Procházka Vít
Published: September 2021

This work focuses on the preparation of bimetal Fe−Cu oxalates by a co‐precipitation reaction in an aqueous solution and subsequently on their thermally induced decomposition. The formation of solid solutions of Fe−Cu oxalates with various Fe/Cu ratios was studied by energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, X‐ray powder diffraction, transmission 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results suggest that the bimetal Fe−Cu oxalate precipitated in a structure similar to β‐FeC2O4 ⋅ 2H2O. The maximum relative amount of Cu obtained within the bimetal oxalate was approximately 40 %. However, the single bimetal phase composition was obtained only for a limited range of Fe/Cu ratios. The Fe‐rich samples contained also β‐FeC2O4 ⋅ 2H2O, while the Cu‐rich samples were predominantly composed of CuC2O4 ⋅ nH2O and contained much lower amounts of Fe than expected. The thermal decomposition of the prepared oxalate with the nominal Fe/Cu ratio of 65/35 was studied by in‐situ X‐ray powder diffraction in combination with ex‐situ Mössbauer spectroscopy. The mixing of both metals at the molecular level allowed the preparation of copper ferrite particles at a relatively low temperature of 470 °C.
Decatungstate‐Photocatalyzed Radical Addition of 9‐Substituted Fluorenes to [60]Fullerene: A Mechanistic Approach
Authors: Malliaros Nikitas G. , Orfanopoulos Michael
Published: September 2021

An innovative, efficient, regioselective functionalization of C60 with 9H‐fluorenes has been disclosed. This efficient photochemical approach uses certain fluorenyl radicals in 9‐position deriving from fluorenes through a hydrogen‐atom transfer (HAT) process mediated by tetrabutylammoniumdecatungstate [(n‐Bu4N)4W10O32]. The single addition of these fluorenyl radicals to C60 proceeded to produce [60]fullerene‐fluorene dyads in a single step. The scope and mechanism of this new reaction have been examined. The primary kinetic isotope effect measurements signify the presence of a stepwise mechanism in which the C−H (D) bond scission is the rate‐limiting step of the reaction.
A novel advanced 3D‐IPS based on mmWaves and SOM‐MLP neural network
Authors: Tamazirt Lotfi , Alilat Farid , Agoulmine Nazim
Published: September 2021

This article proposes a new approach for intelligent indoor 3D positioning that works in the millimeter waves (that constitutes a cornerstone of 5G networks). The solution is based on a combination of a multilayer perceptron network and a self‐organizing map. The solution relies on a precise model of the millimeter frequency channel at 60 GHz and the building of a database of fingerprinting of localization data. The solution approach is based on two parts. In the first part, we specified the target environment for positioning as well as the set of millimeter wave (mmWave) access points (APs) to be deployed in predefined positions. Then, we built a reference database of received signal strengths, azimuths of arrival, and elevations of arrival at each 3D position of the target environment (with a predefined step). The second part of the approach consists of designing a novel neural network architecture that is first trained using the database data and then used to estimate any position in the environment based on the information of the received mmWave signals sent by the different mmWave installed APs. In a normal scenario (without loss of data), the obtained results indicate a millimeter level of the generalization error of the estimated 3D positions. In the case of missing data that may due to potential failures in the system, the obtained accuracy is of the order of 34 cm.
Optical modulation using digital image symbol patterns and grating light valve technology in a hybrid multiplexed superchannel
Authors: Khan Muhammed F. , Swart Theo G.
Published: September 2021

The latest research exploits to increase optical channel bandwidth are termed polarization division multiplexing (PDM) and few mode fiber (FMF), which rely upon a complex multiplexed architecture together with customized electro‐optic modulated hardware elements, inhibited by cost implications and technical limitations thereof. The research pursued herein presents an alternate digital image pattern modulated (DIPM) approach to achieve higher bandwidth gains, spectral efficiency (SE), and transmission reach improvement. The solution focuses on reducing implementation cost with a scalable software approach and simplified conceptual hardware design using grating light valve (GLV) technology to address the drawbacks of PDM, FMF, and other conventional optical transmission technologies. Simulation test results for a DIPM‐GLV‐based fiber optic (FO) transmission system and comparisons against conventional and other novel techniques are graphically shown and interpreted, suggesting that DIPM using GLV is a viable high performance and cost efficient solution.
Monitoring of frying process in canola oil blend using fourier transform infrared and chemometrics techniques
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Haseeb , Shahbaz Zainab , Imran Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Kamran , Muhammad Niaz , Iqbal Sanaullah , Ahmed Waqas , Ahmad Tanvir
Published: September 2021

The production of trans‐fats and chemical changes during the process of frying are serious public health concerns and must be monitored efficiently. For this purpose, the canola oil was formulated with different ratio of extra virgin olive oil and palm olein using D‐optimal mixture design, and the best formulation (67:22:11) based on free fatty acid (FFA) content, peroxide value (PV), and iodine value (IV) as responses was selected for multiple frying process. The data on FFA, PV, and IV along with Fourier transform‐infrared (FT‐IR) spectra were taken after each frying up to ten frying. The spectral data were preprocessed with standard normal variate followed by principal component analysis which is clearly showing the differentiation for various frying. Similarly, partial least square regression was applied to predict the FFA (0.37%–1.63%), PV (4.47–13.85 meqO2/kg), and IV (111.51–51.39 I2/100 g) which demonstrated high coefficient of determination (R2) 0.84, 0.83, and 0.81, respectively. It can be summarized that FT‐IR can be used as a novel tool for fast and noninvasive quality determination of frying oils.
Intraoral radiation stents—Primer for clinical use in head and neck cancer therapy
Authors: Singh Annu , Rosen Evan B. , Randazzo Joseph D. , Estilo Cherry L. , Gelblum Daphna Y. , Huryn Joseph M.
Published: September 2021

Intraoral radiation stents (IRS) are prosthetic devices that assist in the effective delivery of radiation to tumor tissues and aim to avoid unnecessary radiation to adjacent healthy tissues, thus limiting postradiotherapy toxicities. They are used to protect or displace vital structures, assist in positioning of the treatment beam for effective administration of radiotherapy, carry a radioactive material, shield healthy tissues of the oral cavity, and/or maintain the desired mouth opening during radiotherapy. With close collaboration between radiation oncologist and oral health care provider, several IRS can be fabricated by the latter for appropriate targeting and delivery of planned radiation dose and optimized treatment results. Modification of these IRS based on individual patient need is recommended to maximize prosthesis utility. The purpose of this review is to discuss the various types of IRS and highlight their clinical utility and benefits in patients receiving radiation therapy in the head and neck cancers.
A pilot trial of vaccination with Carcinoembryonic antigen and Her2/neu peptides in advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Lynch Kevin T. , Squeo Gabriella C. , Kane William J. , Meneveau Max O. , Petroni Gina , Olson Walter C. , Chianese‐Bullock Kimberly A. , Slingluff Craig L. , Foley Eugene F. , Friel Charles M.
Published: September 2021

Checkpoint‐blockade therapy (CBT) is approved for select colorectal cancer (CRC) patents, but additional immunotherapeutic options are needed. We hypothesized that vaccination with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and Her2/neu (Her2) peptides would be immunogenic and well tolerated by participants with advanced CRC. A pilot clinical trial (NCT00091286) was conducted in HLA‐A2+ or ‐A3+ Stage IIIC‐IV CRC patients. Participants were vaccinated weekly with CEA and Her2 peptides plus tetanus peptide and GM‐CSF emulsified in Montanide ISA‐51 adjuvant for 3 weeks. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded per NIH Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3. Immunogenicity was evaluated by interferon‐gamma ELISpot assay of in vitro sensitized peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymphocytes from the sentinel immunized node. Eleven participants were enrolled and treated; one was retrospectively found to be ineligible due to HLA type. All 11 participants were included in AEs and survival analyses, and the 10 eligible participants were evaluated for immunogenicity. All participants reported AEs: 82% were Grade 1‐2, most commonly fatigue or injection site reactions. Two participants (18%) experienced treatment‐related dose‐limiting Grade 3 AEs; both were self‐limiting. Immune responses to Her2 or CEA peptides were detected in 70% of participants. Median overall survival (OS) was 16 months; among those enrolled with no evidence of disease (n = 3), median OS was not reached after 10 years of follow‐up. These data demonstrate that vaccination with CEA or Her2 peptides is well tolerated and immunogenic. Further study is warranted to assess potential clinical benefits of vaccination in advanced CRC either alone or in combination with CBT.
Mechanical properties andin vitrobioactivity of silicon nitride ceramics withSiO2,CaO, andMgOadditions
Authors: Sona Filho Celso Ricardo , Machado de Souza Carvalho Flávio , Chaves Guedes‐Silva Cecilia
Published: September 2021

Silicon nitride ceramics with SiO2, CaO, and MgO as sintering aids were investigated in view of biomedical applications. In the current study, samples with four different compositions were pressureless sintered at 1750°Cfor 1 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. The samples were evaluated concerning densification, microstructure, mechanical properties, andin vitrobioactivity. Microstructures with elongated β‐Si3N4grains dispersed in an intergranular phase and with densities from 78.77 to 97.14% of the theoretical density were obtained. Higher contents of SiO2resulted in the best densification and mechanical properties. Besides, replacements of CaO by MgO in the initial compositions affected Young's modulus andin vitrobioactivity. Considering the samples with relative density higher than 94.14%, those with lower values of Young's modulus had lower SiO2/MgO ratios. After immersion in SBF (Simulated Body Fluid), the samples with high porosity and/or partial replacements of CaO by MgO had their surfaces coated with a layer rich in calcium and phosphorus, morphologically similar to hydroxyapatite. Hence, producing silicon nitride ceramics with the potential to be used as orthopedic implants must consider ideal amounts of additives. In this article, the best combination of mechanical properties and mineralization capability was reached by the composition with low content of MgO, and high content of SiO2and CaO.
Percutaneous closure of a paravalvular prosthetic mitral leak complicated by need for acute hemodialysis
Authors: Sozzi Fabiola , Hugues Nicolas , Schiavone Marco , Levy Frank , Civaia Filippo , Iacuzio Laura , Rossi Philippe , Carugo Stefano , Bourlon Francois , Eker Armand
Published: September 2021

A case of a severe paravalvular mechanical mitral prosthesis leak (PVL) in a high‐risk surgical patient, complicated with acute heart failure at presentation is described. Considering the high surgical risk and the specific echocardiographic features that would prevent the interventional cardiologist to have a direct access to the PVL with a traditional vascular plug or duct occluder, a percutaneous PVL closure with an Amplatzer‐Amulet (Abbott, Abbott Park, Illinois, United States) LAA device (28 mm) was chosen for the contiguity of the PVL to the left atrial appendage (LAA). A new‐onset hemolysis post‐PVL closure and severe renal failure requiring hemodialysis occurred after the procedure, treated with surgical device removal and leak suture. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case that describes the attempt to close a PVL, contiguous to the LAA, using the Amulet device. The attempt to close a PVL with these features with an Amplatzer‐Amulet device, although promising, does not appear completely safe to reach the goal, as in our case. In our opinion, the most important reasons are that specific technical recommendations and broad experiences are lacking. Indeed, specific outcomes of this kind of approach are, to date, still unknown.
Survey of student attitudes toward digital technology in practical technical dental education using the AR‐Demonstrator‐App
Authors: Gredes Tomasz , Pricop‐Jeckstadt Mihaela , Mereti Eleni , Botzenhart Ute
Published: September 2021

Purpose/objectives

More and more creative applications are used in the field of dentistry for clinical practice, patient orientation, teaching, and learning, in order to awake the students’ interest and to enable a deep learning and its retention. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the impact and the effectiveness of the current simulation laboratories on the practical dental education. For this purpose, a survey on a new developed “AR‐Demonstrator‐App” was conducted during the orthodontic technical courses in 2017, 2018, and 2020 in the Department of Orthodontics (C.G. Carus, TU Dresden, Germany).

Methods

With this application, the students had the opportunity to see every single step with instructions on how to manufacture a removable orthodontic device in a compulsory technical course. At the end of these courses, the students were asked to anonymously fill out a printed questionnaire with 12 questions regarding the learning progress related to the app.

Results

The yearly mean Likert scores and their bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals as well as the yearly median Likert scores suggest a very positive feedback about the use of the new application as an educational instrument. Despite the recognized predominant benefits of this app, the students concluded that they do not prefer the total replacement of the physical plaster casts and that a combination of conventional and computer‐based education provided the optimum approach to acquisition of dental practical skills.

Conclusions

This survey indicates a generally positive attitude toward computer‐assisted simulation systems, providing the facility for acquisition of knowledge and practical skills in a multimedia environment.
Mechanical test and friction‐mapping on recycled polypropylene beads using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Koç Mert Muhammed , Caglayan Mustafa Oguzhan
Published: September 2021

Mechanical tests at sub‐micron scales using force microscopy are often used for the characterization of materials. Here we report the mechanical, tribologic, and morphological characterization of recycled polypropylene beads using force spectroscopy and lateral‐force microscopy. The compression‐elastic moduli calculated using the Hertzian model for polypropylene beads was between 0.448 ± 0.010 and 1.044 ± 0.057 GPa. The grain size analysis revealed a significant correlation between the grain size and measured compression‐elastic moduli. Friction‐maps of recycled polypropylene beads obtained using lateral‐force microscopy were also reported for 25 μm2 scanning areas.
Adherence to treatment, a challenge even in treatable metabolic rare diseases: A cross sectional study of Wilson's disease
Authors: Jacquelet Elodie , Poujois Aurelia , Pheulpin Marie‐Christine , Demain Adèle , Tinant Nadège , Gastellier Nathalie , Woimant France
Published: September 2021

Wilson's disease (WD), a rare genetic disorder responsible for copper accumulation in the body, is fatal if left untreated. Although there are effective treatments, adherence to treatment tends to be low. We evaluated the medication adherence of 139 patients using the Morisky scale. Adherence was correlated with age at diagnosis and at inclusion in the study, the form of the disease, the treatment, the duration of treatment, delivery and storage problems, depression, anxiety, the level of education, and the biological data. 32.4% of the patients had low adherence; their levels of exchangeable copper were significantly higher than those of the patients with high or medium adherence (P = .049). The average age of the patients at the time of the study was significantly higher in those with high adherence than in those with medium or low adherence (P = .043). 75.9% of the patients with high adherence had a neurological form and 26.7% of the patients with low adherence were asymptomatic (P = .0090). The duration of treatment was significantly longer in the patients with high adherence than in those with medium or low adherence (P = .0192). The type of treatment (chelators or zinc) had no impact on the level of adherence. Forty‐four percent of the patients experienced problems dispensing and storing medications. Despite the availability of effective treatments for this rare disease, adherence problems occur with Wilson's disease in particular in asymptomatic patients. Although different factors are involved, sustained multidisciplinary management on a case‐by‐case basis is necessary.
USPIO‐SWI Shows Fingolimod Enhanced Alteplase Action on Angiographic Reperfusion in eMCAO Rats
Authors: Fu Ying , Zhao Wenlong , Lin Kunxin , Lv Aowei , Tian Lili , Wang Zhen , Li Shaowu , Yan Yaping
Published: September 2021

Background

Noninvasive evaluation of the status of cerebral arteriole perfusion remains a practical challenge in murine stroke models, because conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is no longer capable of capturing these very small vessels.

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (USPIO)‐based susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI)‐MRI (USPIO‐SWI) and T2* map‐MRI (USPIO‐T2* map) for monitoring angiographic perfusion in stroke rats.

Study Type

A preclinical randomized controlled trial.

Animal Model

Normal rats (N = 9), embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion (eMCAO) rats (N = 66).

Field Strength/Sequence

7 T; T2* map (multigradient echo), SWI (3D gradient echo).

Assessment

Experiment 1: To develop a method for angiographic reperfusion evaluation with USPIO‐SWI. Normal rats were used to optimize the USPIO dosage (5.6, 16.8, and 56 mg/kg ferumoxytol) as well as scan time points for cerebral arterioles. Contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was measured. Stroke rats were further used and the number of visual cortical vessels were counted. Experiment 2: To examine whether fingolimod (lymphocytes inhibitor) enhances the action of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in eMCAO rats on cerebral angiographic reperfusion.

Statistical Tests

Mann–Whitney test and two way‐ANOVA were used. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

CNR values of cerebral cortical penetrating arteries in normal rats were significantly increased to 4.4 ± 0.5 (5.6 mg/kg), 6.1 ± 0.5 (16.8 mg/kg), and 3.4 ± 0.9 (56 mg/kg) after USPIO injection. The number of visual cortical vessels on USPIO‐SWI images in ischemic regions was significantly less than in control regions (5 ± 2 vs. 56 ± 20) of eMCAO rats. Compared with eMCAO rats who received tPA only, eMCAO rats who received the combination of fingolimod and tPA exhibited significantly higher proportion of complete angiographic reperfusion (69% vs. 17%).

Data Conclusion

This study supports the feasibility of angiographic perfusion evaluation with USPIO‐SWI in stroke rats.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Impacts of digital transformation on firms' competitive advantages: A systematic literature review
Authors: Leão Pedro , da Silva Miguel Mira
Published: September 2021

Digital transformation impacts firms' competitiveness mainly on innovation, efficiency, cost reduction, and impacts global value chains on specialization, geographic scope, governance, and upgrading. According to literature, the impacts of digital transformation over firms' competitiveness, while presenting a more prominent role over more “classical” advantages, present a majority of positively signed impact directions, being, on average, beneficial to the firms that implement such transformations. Industrial processes' digitalization links global value chains' four main dimensions by increasing the firm's focus on more specific value chain activities (specialization) and international expansion opportunities (geographic scope) activity. In parallel, industrial digital transformation is also motivating firms to expand into upstream activities across the value chains (upgrading) and impacting significantly at GVCs' strategy (governance) due to the emergence of digital platforms, disrupting former competitive settings into new networked “extended business ecosystems.”
Is theft considered less severe when the victim is a foreign company?
Authors: Dib‐Slamani Hind , Grolleau Gilles , Mzoughi Naoufel
Published: September 2021

The moral judgment of theft against a company is related to the company origin, but all origins are not created equal. Foreign companies are not systematically disadvantaged compared to domestic ones. Foreign companies from in‐group origins could be at an advantage compared to similar foreign companies from out‐group origins. A theft is judged more leniently when the victim is from the out‐group than one from the in‐group.
Female Representation and Academic Leadership in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Landeen Kelly C. , Xie Yanjun , Moran Mary L. , Yang Shiayin F.
Published: September 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Despite increasing the numbers of women entering the field, underrepresentation of women in otolaryngology has been reported. In the subspecialty of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS), female representation and academic leadership have not been formally characterized. Our study aims to identify female representation and academic leadership roles in FPRS.

Study Design

Cross sectional analysis.

Methods

Analysis was performed using the 2020 American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) membership directory. Board‐eligible and board‐certified FPRS surgeons were included. Data regarding academic rank, leadership position, academic productivity, and years in practice were collected from publicly available departmental websites. Academic productivity was measured using h‐index.

Results

Of 1,421 members queried in the 2020 AAFPRS membership directory, 13.0% were female and 86.9% were male. Most practitioners (87.0%) work in a private practice setting, but of the 13.0% of academic FPRS surgeons, 25.9% were female. Most female facial plastic surgeons in academic practice were Assistant Professors (72.9%), whereas ranks were evenly distributed among male FPRS surgeons. Three (4.3%) of 69 AAFPRS fellowship directors were women, and 1 (1.8%) of 56 present or past AAFPRS presidents was female. Female FPRS surgeons had fewer years in practice and lower h‐indices compared with male surgeons.

Conclusions

Female FPRS surgeons hold fewer academic leadership positions and have lower academic productivity in comparison to male FPRS surgeons. Future studies are needed to elucidate the etiology of these gender differences.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 132:781–785, 2022
Ephemeral gully erosion in concentrated flow channels induced by rainfall and upslope inflow on steep loessial slopes
Authors: Kang Hongliang , Guo Mingming , Wang Wenlong
Published: September 2021

Ephemeral gullies (EGs) play a crucial role in hydrological connectivity, soil erosion, and land degradation. However, little research has focused on flow hydraulics in concentrated flow channels and their effects on EG erosion on steep loessial slopes. A simulated experiment of rainfall (60–120 mm hr−1) and upslope inflow (0.45–2.25 m2 hr−1) were conducted on concentrated flow channels with loess at 15°–25° slope gradients. The concentrated flow was turbulent and subcritical in most cases. The flow shear stress, stream power, and unit stream power in the concentrated flow channels varied from 32.65 to 109.40 N m−2, 10.85 to 38.66 N m−1 s−1, and 0.08 to 0.16 m s−1, respectively. The EG depth, width, and width‐depth ratio varied within 14.8–24.6 cm, 18.5–33.8 cm, and 1.13–1.83, respectively. Moreover, the EG depth and width increased in a power function with the runoff rate (R2 = 0.82–0.83; p < 0.01). The sediment yield rate (Ys) varied within 15.94–94.44 g m−2 s−1 under the different treatments and had a good linear relationship with the runoff rate (R2 = 0.78; p < 0.01). Furthermore, the flow shear stress and stream power can be used to predict Ys by linear functions. The critical runoff rate and shear stress to initiate EG erosion were determined to be 0.09 m3 hr−1 and 2.66 N m−2. However, the coefficient of determination for the linear relationship between Ys and shear stress was low (0.58). The results indicate that the flow shear stress mechanism might not be enough to explain sediment load variation for EG erosion, and headcut erosion mechanism should be taken into account.
Diagnostic pathway and stage migration of sinonasal malignancies in the era of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Meerwein Christian M. , Stadler Thomas M. , Balermpas Panagiotis , Soyka Michael B. , Holzmann David
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The COVID‐19 pandemic bears the risk of delayed cancer diagnoses.

Methods

Study on the diagnostic pathway of sinonasal malignancies during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

Median time from first symptom to treatment initiation was not increased during the pandemic: 137 days (interquartile range [IQR] 104‐193) vs 139 days (IQR 103‐219) (P = .60). Median time from first appointment at our institution to treatment initiation was even reduced in 2020: 18 days (IQR 11‐25) vs 11 days (IQR 7‐17) (P = .02). A trend toward advanced tumor stages during the pandemic was seen: 11/30 patients (36.7%) ≥ stage 4 in 2018 to 2019 vs 12/19 patients (63.2%) ≥ stage 4 in 2020 (P = .064).

Conclusion

Both, time to diagnosis and time to treatment initiation were similar during the pandemic. However, a higher proportion of advanced tumors stages was observed. Despite the pandemic, we provided a swift diagnostic workflow, including a virtual tumor board decision and a prompt treatment initiation.

Level of Evidence: 4.
Toward optoacoustic sciatic nerve detection using an all‐fiber interferometric‐based sensor for endoscopic smart laser surgery
Authors: Nguendon Kenhagho Hervé , Canbaz Ferda , Hopf Alois , Guzman Raphael , Cattin Philippe , Zam Azhar
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Laser surgery requires efficient tissue classification to reduce the probability of undesirable or unwanted tissue damage. This study aimed to investigate acoustic shock waves (ASWs) as a means of classifying sciatic nerve tissue.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we classified sciatic nerve tissue against other tissue types—hard bone, soft bone, fat, muscle, and skin extracted from two proximal and distal fresh porcine femurs—using the ASWs generated by a laser during ablation. A nanosecond frequency‐doubled Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm was used to create 10 craters on each tissue type's surface. We used a fiber‐coupled Fabry–Pérot sensor to measure the ASWs. The spectrum's amplitude from each ASW frequency band measured was used as input for principal component analysis (PCA). PCA was combined with an artificial neural network to classify the tissue types. A confusion matrix and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to calculate the accuracy of the testing‐data‐based scores from the sciatic nerve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) with a 95% confidence‐level interval.

Results

Based on the confusion matrix and ROC analysis of the model's tissue classification results (leave‐one‐out cross‐validation), nerve tissue could be classified with an average accuracy rate and AUC result of 95.78  ± 1.3% and 99.58  ± 0.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the potential of using ASWs for remote classification of nerve and other tissue types. The technique can serve as the basis of a feedback control system to detect and preserve sciatic nerves in endoscopic laser surgery.
Electron‐Beam Induced Luminescence and Bleaching in Polymer Resins and Embedded Biomaterial
Authors: Srinivasa Raja Aditi , de Boer Pascal , Giepmans Ben N. G. , Hoogenboom Jacob P.
Published: September 2021

Electron microscopy is crucial for imaging biological ultrastructure at nanometer resolution. However, electron irradiation also causes specimen damage, reflected in structural and chemical changes that can give rise to alternative signals. Here, luminescence induced by electron‐beam irradiation is reported across a range of materials widely used in biological electron microscopy. Electron‐induced luminescence is spectrally characterized in two epoxy (Epon, Durcupan) and one methacrylate resin (HM20) over a broad electron fluence range, from 10−4 to 103 mC cm−2, both with and without embedded biological samples. Electron‐induced luminescence is pervasive in polymer resins, embedded biomaterial, and occurs even in fixed, whole cells in the absence of resin. Across media, similar patterns of intensity rise, spectral red‐shifting, and bleaching upon increasing electron fluence are observed. Increased landing energies cause reduced scattering in the specimen shifting the luminescence profiles to higher fluences. Predictable and tunable electron‐induced luminescence in natural and synthetic polymer media is advantageous for turning many polymers into luminescent nanostructures or to fluorescently visualize (micro)plastics. Furthermore, these findings provide perspective to direct electron‐beam excitation approaches like cathodoluminescence that may be obscured by these nonspecific electron‐induced signals.
Multiple Stimuli‐Responsive Supramolecular Hydrogels Constructed by Decamethylcucurbit[5]uril‐para‐phenylenediamine Exclusion Complex
Authors: Guo Hanling , Yang Shengdu , Cao Long , Chen Lixia , Gao Ruihan , Huang Ying , Xue Bai , Tao Zhu
Published: September 2021

The hydrogels composed of decamethylcucurbit[5]uril (Me10Q[5]) and para‐phenylenediamine (p‐PDA) are first reported herein. They are the first Q[5]‐based supramolecular hydrogels, the formation of which is driven by portal exclusion between Me10Q[5] and p‐PDA. The composition, structure, and properties of the Me10Q[5]/p‐PDA‐based hydrogels are investigated by various techniques. Since the 1D supramolecular chain forms via portal exclusion between Me10Q[5] and p‐PDA is the key to the formation of the hydrogels, any competitive species, such as metal ions, organic molecules, and amino acids, which can affect the portal exclusion, can change the behavior of the Me10Q[5]/p‐PDA‐based hydrogels. Hence, the hydrogels can be used for various applications. Importantly, the results may provide a new research direction for the preparation of Q[n]‐based hydrogels via portal exclusion of Q[n]s with guests.
Rapid Photothermal Responsive Conductive MXene Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Soft Manipulators and Sensitive Strain Sensors
Authors: Sun Zhichao , Song Changyuan , Zhou Junjie , Hao Chaobo , Liu Wentao , Liu Hao , Wang Jianfeng , Huang Miaoming , He Suqin , Yang Mingcheng
Published: September 2021

Stimulus‐responsive hydrogels are of great significance in soft robotics, wearable electronic devices, and sensors. Near‐infrared (NIR) light is considered an ideal stimulus as it can trigger the response behavior remotely and precisely. In this work, a smart flexible stimuli‐responsive hydrogel with excellent photothermal property and decent conductivity are prepared by incorporating MXene nanosheets into the physically cross‐linked poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) hydrogel matrix. Because of outstanding photothermal effect and dispersion of MXene, the composite hydrogel exhibits rapid photothermal responsiveness and excellent photothermal stability under the NIR irradiation. Furthermore, the anisotropic bilayer hydrogel actuator shows fast and controllable light‐driven bending behavior, which can be used as a light‐controlled soft manipulator. Meanwhile, the hydrogel sensor exhibits cycling stability and good durability in detecting various deformation and real‐time human activities. Therefore, the present study involving the fabrication of MXene nanocomposite hydrogels for potential applications in remotely controlled actuator and wearable electronic device provides a new method for the development of photothermal responsive conductive hydrogels.