bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triple Cross‐Linking Engineering Strategies for Efficient and Stable Inverted Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tu Silong , Gang Yong , Lin Yuanqiong , Liu Xinyue , Zhong Yi , Yu Daquan , Li Xin
Published: February 2024

Inverted flexible perovskite solar cells (fPSCs) are promising for commercialization due to their low cost, lightweight, and excellent stability. However, enhancing fPSCs’ power conversion efficiency and stability remains challenging. Here, an unprecedented triple cross‐linking engineering strategy is innovatively exhibit for efficient and stable inverted fPSCs. First, a carefully designed cross‐linker, 4‐fluorophenyl 5‐(1,2‐dithiolan‐3‐yl) pentanoate (FB‐TA), is added to the perovskite precursor solution. During the perovskite film's crystallization at a low temperature, the cross‐linking product of FB‐TA can passivate the grain boundaries and reduce the film's residual strain and Young's module. Then, FB‐TA is also introduced for the bottom‐ and top‐interface modification of the perovskite film. The interfacial treating strategy protects the perovskite from water invasion and strengthens the interfaces. The combination of triple strategies affords highly efficient inverted fPSCs with a champion efficiency of 21.42% among the state‐of‐the‐art inverted fPSCs based on nickel oxides. More importantly, the flexible devices also exhibit superior stabilities with T90 >4000 bending cycles, photostability with T90 >568 h, and ambient stability with T90 >2000 h, especially the stability with T80 >1120 h under harsh damp‐heat conditions (i.e., 85 °C and 85% RH). The strategy provides new insights into the industrialization of high‐performance and stable fPSCs.
Morphological Homogeneity and Interface Modification as Determinant Factors of the Efficiency and Stability for Upscaling Organic Solar Cell
Authors: Wang Tong , Zhang Jianqi , Shen Yifan , Zhang Hao , Tian Chenyang , Xie Meiling , Zhang Wenqing , Hao Xiaotao , Lu Kun , Wei Zhixiang
Published: February 2024

Morphological homogeneity and interfacial traps are essential issues to achieve high‐efficiency and stable large‐area organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, by the investigation of three quinoxaline‐based acceptors, i.e., PM6:Qx‐1, PM6:Qx‐2, and PM6:Qx‐p‐4Cl, the performance degradation in up‐scaling OSCs is explored. The inhomogeneous morphology in PM6:Qx‐2 induces a nonuniform spatial distribution of charge generation, showing a rapid decline in efficiency and stability in large‐area OSCs. In comparison, the homogeneous morphology in PM6:Qx‐1 and PM6:Qx‐p‐4Cl alleviates the stability drop. When utilizing 2‐phenylethylmercaptan to fill the interfacial traps, the stability drop disappears for PM6:Qx‐1 and PM6:Qx‐p‐4Cl, while it persists for PM6:Qx‐2. The PM6:Qx‐1 large‐are device yields a high efficiency of 13.47% and superior thermal stability (T80 = 2888 h). Consequently, the interface modification dominates the performance degradation of large‐area devices with homogeneous morphology, while it cannot eliminate the traps in inhomogeneous film. These results provide a clear understanding of degradation mechanisms in upscaling devices.
Direct Imaging of Atomic Rattling Motion in a Clathrate Compound
Authors: Tabata Koudai , Seki Takehito , Findlay Scott D. , Ishikawa Ryo , Tamura Ryuji , Ikuhara Yuichi , Shibata Naoya
Published: February 2024

Controlling nanoscale heat generation, dissipation, and transport is crucial for miniaturizing electronic devices and for designing highly efficient thermoelectric materials. However, it has been challenging to directly measure thermal properties at individual atom level. Herein, direct atomic‐resolution column‐by‐column imaging of the rattling motion of Ba atoms in a clathrate compound Ba8Ga16Ge30 using atomic‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy with a segmented detector is shown. The directional anisotropy of the rattling motion is clearly visualized in real space and its amplitude and anisotropy are quantitatively evaluated by Bayesian analysis of the thermal diffuse scattering distribution. These results open a new possibility for directly characterizing nanoscale thermal properties in materials and devices, even those containing heavy elements such as thermoelectric materials.
The Influence of Nitrogen on Hydrogen Reduction of Iron Ore Pellets
Authors: Fogelström Julia Brännberg , Martinsson Johan , Kojola Niklas
Published: February 2024

As the iron and steel industry now strives for a carbon neutral industry, hydrogen‐based direct reduction shaft furnace technology has become an alternative to the heavily fossil‐depending blast furnace route. Research questions related to the future full‐scale production have, therefore, become more interesting. Depending on the operational conditions, the H2 concentration and temperature will vary across the length of the reactor. This work studies the effect of nitrogen in a hydrogen‐reducing gas during the reduction of commercial iron ore pellets using thermogravimetric analysis. The reducing gas consisted of either pure hydrogen or a mixture of 90–70 vol% hydrogen and 10–30 vol% nitrogen at 773, 873, 973, 1073, and 1173 K. It is found that the reduction rate decreased with decreasing temperature and increasing nitrogen content. The effect of nitrogen on the reduction rate is more profound than expected from the decreased hydrogen partial pressure alone. To aid the discussion, partially reduced pellets are studied using optical and scanning electron microscopy. It is found that the microstructure is strongly dependent on the temperature but independent of the nitrogen content.
Enhancing conceptual models with computational capabilities: A methodical approach to executable integrative modeling
Authors: Levi‐Soskin Natali , Marwedel Stephan , Jbara Ahmad , Dori Dov
Published: February 2024

The lack of a common executable modeling framework that integrates systems engineering, software design, and other engineering domains is a major impediment to seamless product development processes. Our research aims to overcome this system‐software modeling gap by integrating computational, software‐related, and model execution capabilities into OPM‐based conceptual modeling, resulting in a holistic unified executable quantitative‐qualitative modeling framework. The gap is overcome via a Methodical Approach to Executable Integrative Modeling—MAXIM, an extension of OPM ISO 19450:2015, a standardization approvement given on 2015. We present the principles of MAXIM and demonstrate its operation within OPCloud—a web‐based collaborative conceptual OPM modeling framework. As a proof‐of‐concept, a model of an Airbus civil aircraft landing gear braking system is constructed and executed. Using MAXIM, engineers from five domains can collaborate at the very early phase of the system development and jointly construct a unified model that fuses qualitative and quantitative aspects of the various disciplines. This case study illustrates an important first step towards satisfying the critical and growing need to integrate systems engineering with software computations into a unified framework that enables a smooth transition from high‐level architecting to detailed, discipline‐oriented design. Such a framework is a key to agile yet robust future development of software‐intensive systems.
Genetic variance components of the growth curve for Isfahan indigenous chicken
Authors: Ghaderi‐Zefrehei Mostafa , Rafeie Farjad , Zakizadeh Sonia , Torshizi Mahdi Elahi , Peters Sunday O , Smith Jacqueline
Published: February 2024

Background

Being able to model a growth curve using three or four non‐linear functional parameters could help explain the growth phenomenon in a precise way and would allow the comparison of an animal's development rate, optimize management and feeding strategies and guide animal production strategies.

Objective

The goal of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of growth traits of Isfahan indigenous chicken in Iran and to determine the best non‐linear model describing the growth curve.

Methods

The prediction of additive genetic parameters was performed using the REML method by WOMBAT. Direct heritability of the studied traits and genetic correlations between them were obtained. The Logistic, Gompertz, von Bertalanffy, Brody, Negative exponential, Weibull, Janoschek and Bridges models were compared based on the coefficient of determination (R2), mean square error (MSE) and akaike information criterion.

Results

The Gompertz model was identified as the best model for describing the growth curve for Isfahan native chicken. The heritability of maturity weights (A), initial weight (B) and maturity rate (K) parameters were 0.223 ± 0.002, 0.016 ± 0.005 and 0.087 ± 0.001, respectively.

Conclusion

This study shows that Isfahan indigenous chicken has the genetic potential for improving growth and reproduction based on their desirable heritabilities and correlations using appropriate models.
Reconstruction surgery using polypropylene mesh after extensive resection of a costal osteosarcoma in a dog
Authors: Tamura Kei , Ishigaki Kumiko , Sakurai Naoki , Heishima Tatsuya , Yoshida Orie , Asano Kazushi
Published: February 2024

Osteosarcoma is the most common tumour that develops in the chest wall of dogs; an extensive excision is the treatment of choice. Various methods have been reported for reconstruction of chest wall defects following extensive excision.

The objective of this report was to describe the complete resection of an extensive costal osteosarcoma with an extended resection of the ribs and part of the diaphragm in a dog.

An 11‐year‐old neutered, male, miniature pinscher was presented with dyspnoea: An extensive mass was observed, stretching from the right chest wall to the abdominal wall. On computed tomography, the mass originated from the right 9th rib and exceeded the 6th rib on the cranial side and the 13th rib on the caudal side; it was compressing the lungs, diaphragm, liver, stomach and duodenum. When the patient's condition was medically stabilized, the tumour was removed from the right 9th rib. In consideration of the surgical margin, the 5th–13th ribs were excised, and the tumour was resected with the thoracoabdominal wall and part of the diaphragm. The missing thoracoabdominal wall and section of the diaphragm were reconstructed using two sheets of a polypropylene mesh. Postoperatively, flail chest was observed, although dyspnoea was not observed in the patient. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of osteosarcoma with a clean margin. Although 60.6 months have passed post‐surgery, no metastasis has reoccurred.

In this case, complete resection and reconstruction of the chest wall and diaphragm were achieved using a polypropylene mesh without fatal postoperative complications, despite extensive osteosarcoma resection.
Diagnosis and medical treatment of portal vein thrombosis in a pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Berry Alexandra , Lau Michelle , Cowan Melinda Lee
Published: February 2024

Portal vein thrombosis is the partial or total obstruction of blood flow due to a thrombus in the hepatic portal system. This case report outlines the diagnosis and treatment of portal vein thrombosis in a rabbit. The animal presented for inappetence and lack of faecal production, and was found to have markedly elevated alanine transaminase on biochemistry. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a focal hyperechoic structure within the right intrahepatic portal venous branches, with no flow on colour Doppler interrogation. The rabbit was subsequently diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis and treated with clopidogrel and rivaroxaban. Thirty‐two days after presentation, the previously noted intrahepatic portal venous thrombus had resolved, with normal flow visualised in the portal venous branches on colour Doppler interrogation. The rabbit has remained stable for 1 year 5 months after cessation of treatment.
First report of primary tonsillar salivary gland adenocarcinoma in a dog
Authors: Murakami Keiko , Yang Ester , Carroll Jennifer , Zimmerman Kurt L.
Published: February 2024

A 9‐year‐old, female, spayed, mixed breed dog was presented for diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the minor salivary glands of the right tonsil by histopathology. A whole‐body computed tomography scan showed no detectable abnormalities in the major salivary glands. No pulmonary metastasis or lymphadenopathy was noted. An anaesthetised oropharyngeal examination revealed an erythematous and irregular broad‐base mass in the right tonsil, and an erythematous and slightly irregular nodular area in the contralateral tonsil. Bilateral excisional biopsies of the tonsils via tonsillectomies were performed for definitive diagnosis. Histopathology of the right tonsillar mass was consistent with an incompletely excised adenocarcinoma of the minor salivary gland, and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of the contralateral tonsil. Based on this case report, it is important to consider salivary adenocarcinoma as a differential diagnosis for primary tonsillar tumour, as there are lobules of salivary glands in normal canine tonsils.
China’s Push for the BRI in a Changing World: Origins and Motivations
Authors: Yu Hong
Published: February 2024

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is at the heart of the paradigm shift of Chinese foreign policy. Since its announcement by China’sPresident Xi Jinping in 2013, the BRI has emerged as the centrepiece of China’s aspiration to become a global power.
Belt and Road Initiative 2.0 in the Making: How Far Can It Go?
Authors: Yu Hong
Published: February 2024

The shifting global geopolitical environment amidst the power rivalry between the United States and China and the once-in-century global COVID-19 pandemic have pushed China to rely more on the domestic market, demands and resources for generating economic growth at home.
Reflections on the Belt and Road Initiative at Its 10th Anniversary
Authors: Yu Hong
Published: February 2024

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reaches the 10th anniversary of implementation in 2023. In 2013, Xi Jinping, China’s President, announced the land-based “Silk Road Economic Belt” and the sea-based “Maritime Silk Road of the 21st Century” during his state visits to Kazakhstanand Indonesia, respectively.
China’s Efforts to Deepen Its Ties with the Middle Eastern Countries: The Case of Saudi Arabia and Iran
Authors: Yu Hong
Published: February 2024

The trip to Saudi Arabia by President Xi Jinping in December 2022 came shortly after he won a third term as China’s paramount leader at the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in late October 2022. It also represents one of the Chinese leader’s first overseas trips for high-profile diplomacy after an almost three-year hiatus due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
G7’s Plan for Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment: An Alternative to the BRI?
Authors: Yu Hong
Published: February 2024

Sino-U.S. strategic competition presents a major obstacle to China’s BRI implementation. US-China rivalry is intensifying and the world appears to be on a path to great power confrontation.
De Sitter space is sometimes not empty
Authors: Balasubramanian Vijay , Nomura Yasunori , Ugajin Tomonori
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the Hilbert space of an isolated de Sitter universe is one dimensional but can appear larger when probed by a gravitating observer. To test this idea, we compute the von Neumann entropy of a field theory in a two-dimensional de Sitter universe which is entangled in a thermal-like state with the same field theory on a disjoint, asymptotically anti-de Sitter (AdS) black hole. Previously, it was shown that the replica trick for computing the entropy of such entangled gravitating systems requires the inclusion of a non-perturbative effect in quantum gravity — novel wormholes connecting the two spaces. Here we show that: (a) the expected wormholes connecting de Sitter and AdS universes exist, avoiding a no-go theorem via the presence of sources on the AdS boundary; (b) the entanglement entropy vanishes if the nominal entropy of the de Sitter cosmological horizon $$ \left({S}_{\textrm{dS}}={A}_{\textrm{horizon}}^{\textrm{dS}}/4{G}_{\textrm{N}}\right) $$

S
dS

=

A
horizon
dS

/
4

G
N

is less than the entropy of the AdS black hole horizon $$ \left({S}_{\textrm{BH}}={A}_{\textrm{horizon}}^{\textrm{AdS}}/4{G}_{\textrm{N}}\right) $$

S
BH

=

A
horizon
AdS

/
4

G
N

, i.e., SdS< SBH; (c) the entanglement entropy is finite when SdS > SBH. Thus, the de Sitter Hilbert space is effectively nontrivial only when SdS > SBH. The AdS black hole we introduce can be regarded as an “observer” for de Sitter space. In this sense, our result is a non-perturbative generalization of the recent perturbative argument that the algebra of observables on the de Sitter static patch becomes nontrivial in the presence of an observer.
Targeting disease with benzoxazoles: a comprehensive review of recent developments
Authors: Abdullahi Abdulrahman , Yeong Keng Yoon
Published: February 2024

Benzoxazole is an attractive scaffold in medicinal chemistry due to its diverse biological applications. From 2016 to 2023, a plethora of benzoxazole derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for their pharmacological activities but a review on this topic was found lacking. This review thus aims to fill the gap and discusses the pharmacological activities of the synthesized derivatives, emphasizing their interactions with key biological targets implicated in diseases such as cancer, diabetes, pain, inflammation, and cardiovascular disorders. Relevant works were selected mainly from databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar to offer a comprehensive overview of derivatives with promising bioactivities. The limitations pertinent to some derivatives, such as poor in vitro or in vivo activities, were highlighted, while their prospects in drug discovery was discussed.
Application of the PANELVIEW instrument to evaluate the guideline development process of the German polytrauma guideline
Authors: Goossen Käthe , Bieler Dan , Weise Alina , Nothacker Monika , Flohé Sascha , Pieper Dawid
Published: February 2024

Background

PANELVIEW is an instrument for evaluating the appropriateness of the process, methods, and outcome of guideline development and the satisfaction of the guideline group with these steps.

Objective

To evaluate the guideline development process of the German guideline on the treatment of patients with severe/multiple injuries (‘German polytrauma guideline’) from the perspective of the guideline group, and to identify areas where this process may be improved in the future.

Methods

We administered PANELVIEW to the participants of the 2022 update of the German polytrauma guideline. All guideline group members, including delegates of participating medical societies, steering group members, authors of guideline chapters, the chair, and methodological lead, were invited to participate. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. Comments received were categorised by domains/items of the tool.

Results

After the first, second, and last consensus conference, the guideline group was invited via email to participate in a web-based survey. Response rates were 36% (n/N = 13/36), 40% (12/30), and 37% (20/54), respectively. The mean scores for items ranged between 5.1 and 6.9 on a scale from 1 (fully disagree) to 7 (fully agree). Items with mean scores below 6.0 were related to (1) administration, (2) consideration of patients’ views, perspectives, values, and preferences, and (3) the discussion of research gaps and needs for future research.

Conclusion

The PANELVIEW tool showed that the guideline group was satisfied with most aspects of the guideline development process. Areas for improvement of the process were identified. Strategies to improve response rates should be explored.
Diagnose- und Aufnahmezentrum
Authors: Braun Urs , Hennig Oliver , Forstner Johanna , Gerhardt Sarah , Deffaa Mirjam ,   DAZ-Team (die Mitglieder sind am Beitragsende aufgelistet), Hirjak Dusan , Deuschle Michael , Koopmann Anne , Wisch Christian , Fritz Melanie , Ende Gabriele , Tost Heike , Schöfer Peter , Bischoff Stefan , Janta Matthias , Kiefer Falk , Schmahl Christian , Banaschewski Tobias , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas
Published: February 2024

Die routinemäßige, tiefgreifende Charakterisierung von Patienten mit Methoden der klinischen und skalenbasierten Untersuchung, der Neuropsychologie, anhand von Biomaterialien und sensorbasierten Informationen verspricht transformative Möglichkeiten auf dem Weg zu einer personalisierten Diagnostik, Therapie und Prävention in der Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik. Die effektive Integration des zusätzlichen zeitlichen und logistischen Aufwands in den Versorgungsalltag sowie die Akzeptanz bei Patienten sind entscheidend für den Erfolg eines solchen Ansatzes, hierzu liegen jedoch bisher kaum Daten vor. Wir berichten hier über die Etablierung eines Diagnose- und Aufnahmezentrums (DAZ) am Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit (ZI) in Mannheim. Beim DAZ handelt es sich um eine den anderen Versorgungstrukturen vorgeschaltete ambulante Einheit zur klinischen und wissenschaftlichen diagnoseübergreifenden Phänotypisierung als Ausgangsbasis für eine datenunterstützte, individuelle Bahnung der weiteren Behandlungs‑, Diagnostik- oder Studienpfade. Wir beschreiben die Funktionen, Ziele und Implementierung der neu geschaffenen klinisch-wissenschaftlich translationalen Struktur, geben einen Überblick über die damit erreichten Patientenpopulationen und liefern Daten zur Akzeptanz. Die enge Verzahnung mit den nachgelagerten klinischen Prozessen ermöglicht dabei eine besser abgestimmte und bedarfsorientierte Zuweisung und einen schnelleren Beginn der störungsspezifischen Diagnostik und Therapie. Seit dem Start im April 2021 bis Ende 2022 wurden in einer Pilotphase 1021 Patienten im DAZ psychiatrisch untersucht. Die Patientenklientel entsprach dabei einer repräsentativen Stichprobe aus der Regelversorgung und die neu etablierten Prozesse wurden von Patienten als hilfreich erlebt. Zusammenfassend verknüpft das DAZ somit in hohem Maße Interessen und Bedürfnisse der Patienten mit der Erhebung wissenschaftlich relevanter Daten.
Quality enhancement of micro-milled channels with automated laser assistance
Authors: Sahu Ashish Kumar , Iqbal Faiz , Jha Sunil
Published: February 2024

Microchannels are utilised on material surfaces of a body, allowing coolant to pass through them and enabling heat dissipation by increased contact area. Fabrication of metal surface microchannels is primarily achieved by employing a micro-milling process, which has drawbacks such as excessive cutting forces, top burrs, tool wear, and lower tool life. Alternatively, it is also realised by using Laser micro milling, which has problems associated with lower quality of surface finish, un-desired taper, heat-affected zone, and spatters. The existing literature, after due review of the current state of the art, has brought out gaps needing attention. These gaps are limited capability to reduce surface roughness, unaddressed burr width, and irregular bottom surface morphology, which affect microchannel quality. These gaps motivate this research work to improve and sustain the microchannel quality. To achieve the goals, this research work performs the fabrication of microchannels by micro-milling with automated laser assistance being achieved in two ways (a) sequentially, (b) non-sequentially, termed as LASMM and LPCMM, which are novel for the scientific community. The effects of micro milling parameters, spindle speed and feed on the quality were analysed while machining commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti). Results show that laser assistance to micro-milling provides a lower generation of undesired forces and lesser top burrs compared to micro-milling alone. In sequential laser assistance, the channels have a mean down burr width ~ 58% lower and a maximum down burr width ~ 38% lower than the channels done non-sequentially. In the case of up-burr width, a mean value ~ 60% lower and a maximum value ~ 73% lower is achieved in channels done non-sequentially as compared to those done sequentially. In the case of surface roughness, channels done sequentially have a maximum Sa value of 1.508 µm, a maximum Sq value of 1.912 µm whereas non-sequentially, they show a maximum Sa value of 3.495 µm, maximum Sq value of 4.59 µm. Steady tool wear is observed sequentially, whereas in non-sequential, rapid tool wear occurs after 500 mm of cutting length.
Bayesian composite $$L^p$$-quantile regression
Authors: Arnroth Lukas
Published: February 2024

$$L^p$$

L
p

-quantiles are a class of generalized quantiles defined as minimizers of an asymmetric power function. They include both quantiles,

$$p=1$$

p
=
1

, and expectiles,

$$p=2$$

p
=
2

, as special cases. This paper studies composite

$$L^p$$

L
p

-quantile regression, simultaneously extending single

$$L^p$$

L
p

-quantile regression and composite quantile regression. A Bayesian approach is considered, where a novel parameterization of the skewed exponential power distribution is utilized. Further, a Laplace prior on the regression coefficients allows for variable selection. Through a Monte Carlo study and applications to empirical data, the proposed method is shown to outperform Bayesian composite quantile regression in most aspects.
Distances and angles in standing long-leg radiographs: comparing conventional radiography, digital radiography, and EOS
Authors: Birkenmaier Christof , Levrard Louise , Melcher Carolin , Wegener Bernd , Ricke Jens , Holzapfel Boris M. , Baur-Melnyk Andrea , Mehrens Dirk
Published: February 2024

Objective

Distances and angles measured from long-leg radiographs (LLR) are important for surgical decision-making. However, projectional radiography suffers from distortion, potentially generating differences between measurement and true anatomical dimension. These phenomena are not uniform between conventional radiography (CR) digital radiography (DR) and fan-beam technology (EOS). We aimed to identify differences between these modalities in an experimental setup.

Materials and methods

A hemiskeleton was stabilized using an external fixator in neutral, valgus and varus knee alignment. Ten images were acquired for each alignment and each modality: one CR setup, two different DR systems, and an EOS. A total of 1680 measurements were acquired and analyzed.

Results

We observed great differences for dimensions and angles between the 4 modalities. Femoral head diameter measurements varied in the range of > 5 mm depending on the modality, with EOS being the closest to the true anatomical dimension. With functional leg length, a difference of 8.7% was observed between CR and EOS and with the EOS system being precise in the vertical dimension on physical-technical grounds, this demonstrates significant projectional magnification with CR-LLR. The horizontal distance between the medial malleoli varied by 20 mm between CR and DR, equating to 21% of the mean.

Conclusions

Projectional distortion resulting in variations approaching 21% of the mean indicate, that our confidence on measurements from standing LLR may not be justified. It appears likely that among the tested equipment, EOS-generated images are closest to the true anatomical situation most of the time.
Managing hardware-related metal artifacts in MRI: current and evolving techniques
Authors: Feuerriegel Georg C. , Sutter Reto
Published: February 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) around metal implants has been challenging due to magnetic susceptibility differences between metal implants and adjacent tissues, resulting in image signal loss, geometric distortion, and loss of fat suppression. These artifacts can compromise the diagnostic accuracy and the evaluation of surrounding anatomical structures. As the prevalence of total joint replacements continues to increase in our aging society, there is a need for proper radiological assessment of tissues around metal implants to aid clinical decision-making in the management of post-operative complaints and complications. Various techniques for reducing metal artifacts in musculoskeletal imaging have been explored in recent years. One approach focuses on improving hardware components. High-density multi-channel radiofrequency (RF) coils, parallel imaging techniques, and gradient warping correction enable signal enhancement, image acquisition acceleration, and geometric distortion minimization. In addition, the use of susceptibility-matched implants and low-field MRI helps to reduce magnetic susceptibility differences. The second approach focuses on metal artifact reduction sequences such as view-angle tilting (VAT) and slice-encoding for metal artifact correction (SEMAC). Iterative reconstruction algorithms, deep learning approaches, and post-processing techniques are used to estimate and correct artifact-related errors in reconstructed images. This article reviews recent developments in clinically applicable metal artifact reduction techniques as well as advances in MR hardware. The review provides a better understanding of the basic principles and techniques, as well as an awareness of their limitations, allowing for a more reasoned application of these methods in clinical settings.
Angewandte Improvisation in der Psychotherapie
Authors: Stein Miriam , Dshemuchadse Maja , Scherbaum Stefan , Schnell Knut
Published: February 2024

Der Beitrag beschreibt, wie die Angewandte Improvisation im Rahmen von Psychotherapie nutzbar ist, um grundlegende therapeutische Modelle der sozialen Interaktion leichter verständlich und im Alltag praktisch anwendbar zu machen. Die Angewandte Improvisation bietet für die Psychotherapie im Sinne der interaktionellen Achtsamkeit eine Haltung und ein großes Repertoire von Übungen, mit denen sich die bewusste und flexible Gestaltung von Beziehungen spielerisch trainieren lässt. Die wesentlichen Prinzipien der Angewandten Improvisation werden vorgestellt, um darauf aufbauend darzulegen, wie die Angewandte Improvisation konkret im Kontext der Psychotherapie sinnvoll zum Einsatz kommen kann. Prinzipien und Übungen aus dem Improvisationstheater werden mit Grundkonzepten der Psychotherapie verknüpft. Der Beitrag gibt insbesondere einen Überblick über empirisch belegte Modelle sozialer Interaktion entlang der Konsistenztheorie, des Circumplexmodells und des Rupture-Repair-Ansatzes.
Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis revealed that HaMYB1 modulates anthocyanin accumulation to deepen sunflower flower color
Authors: Ma Siqi , Zhou Hanlin , Ren Tingting , Yu Er-ru , Feng Bin , Wang Juying , Zhang Chengsheng , Zhou Chao , Li Yiqiang
Published: February 2024

Key message

HanMYB1 was found to play positive roles in the modulation of anthocyanins metabolism based on the integrative analysis of different color cultivars and the related molecular genetic analyses.

As a high value ornamental and edible crop with various colors, sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) provide an ideal system to understand the formation of flower color. Anthocyanins are major pigments in higher plants, which is associated with development of flower colors and ability of oxidation resistance. Here, we performed an integrative analysis of the transcriptome and flavonoid metabolome in five sunflower cultivars with different flower colors. According to differentially expressed genes and differentially accumulated flavonoids, these cultivars could be grouped into yellow and red. The results showed that more anthocyanins were accumulated in the red group flowers, especially the chrysanthemin. Some anthocyanins biosynthesis-related genes like UFGT (UDP-glycose flavonoid glycosyltransferase) also expressed more in the red group flowers. A MYB transcriptional factor, HanMYB1, was found to play vital positive roles in the modulation of anthocyanins metabolism by the integrative analysis. Overexpressed HanMYB1 in tobacco could deepen the flower color, increase the accumulation of anthocyanins and directly active the express of UFGT genes. Our findings indicated that the MYB transcriptional factors provide new insight into the dynamic regulation of the anthocyanin biosynthesis in facilitating sunflower color formation and anthocyanin accumulation.
RFC1 repeat expansions in downbeat nystagmus syndromes: frequency and phenotypic profile
Authors: Pellerin David , Heindl Felix , Traschütz Andreas , Rujescu Dan , Hartmann Annette M. , Brais Bernard , Houlden Henry , Dufke Claudia , Riess Olaf , Haack Tobias , Strupp Michael , Synofzik Matthis
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The cause of downbeat nystagmus (DBN) remains unknown in a substantial number of patients (“idiopathic”), although intronic GAA expansions in FGF14 have recently been shown to account for almost 50% of yet idiopathic cases. Here, we hypothesized that biallelic RFC1 expansions may also represent a recurrent cause of DBN syndrome.

Methods

We genotyped the RFC1 repeat and performed in-depth phenotyping in 203 patients with DBN, including 65 patients with idiopathic DBN, 102 patients carrying an FGF14 GAA expansion, and 36 patients with presumed secondary DBN.

Results

Biallelic RFC1 AAGGG expansions were identified in 15/65 patients with idiopathic DBN (23%). None of the 102 GAA-FGF14-positive patients, but 2/36 (6%) of patients with presumed secondary DBN carried biallelic RFC1 expansions. The DBN syndrome in RFC1-positive patients was characterized by additional cerebellar impairment in 100% (15/15), bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) in 100% (15/15), and polyneuropathy in 80% (12/15) of cases. Compared to GAA-FGF14-positive and genetically unexplained patients, RFC1-positive patients had significantly more frequent neuropathic features on examination and BVP. Furthermore, vestibular function, as measured by the video head impulse test, was significantly more impaired in RFC1-positive patients.

Discussion

Biallelic RFC1 expansions are a common monogenic cause of DBN syndrome.
Chidamide and orelabrutinib synergistically induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Wu Chunyan , Chen Shilv , Wu Zhimin , Xue Jiao , Zhang Wen , Wang Shan , Xindong Zhao  , Wu Shaoling
Published: February 2024

Objective

The initial therapeutic approach for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) entails a rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) regimen. However, 40% of patients exhibit suboptimal responses, with some experiencing relapse and refractory conditions. This study aimed to explore novel therapeutic strategies and elucidate their underlying mechanisms in DLBCL.

Methods

Bioinformatics techniques were employed to scrutinize correlations between the HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC3, HDAC10, BTK, MYC, TP53, and BCL2 genes in DLBCL. In vitro experiments were conducted using DB and SU-DHL-4 cells treated with chidamide, orelabrutinib, and a combination of both. Cell viability was assessed by cell counting kit-8. Cell apoptosis and the cell cycle were determined using flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial function were assessed through ROS and JC-1 staining. RNA sequencing and western blot analyses were conducted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the combined action of chidamide and orelabrutinib in DLBCL cells.

Results

This investigation revealed markedly enhanced antiproliferative effects when chidamide was combined with orelabrutinib. Compusyn software analysis indicated a synergistic effect of chidamide and orelabrutinib in inhibiting DLBCL cell proliferation, with a combination index (CI) < 1. This synergy further manifested as augmented cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, the downregulation of cell cycle-associated and antiapoptotic proteins, and the upregulation of proapoptotic proteins. Furthermore, the western blot and RNA-Seq findings suggested that combining chidamide and orelabrutinib modulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby promoting DLBCL cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide a compelling justification for the clinical utilization of chidamide and orelabrutinib to treat relapsed/refractory DLBCL.
Causal relationship between psychological factors and hepatocellular carcinoma as revealed by Mendelian randomization
Authors: Xu Fengming , Dirsch Olaf , Dahmen Uta
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The impact of psychological factors on the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in humans remains unclear. Mendelian randomization (MR) study is a novel approach aimed at unbiased detection of causal effects. Therefore, we conducted a two-sample MR to determine if there is a causal relationship between psychological distress (PD), participation in leisure/social activities of religious groups (LARG), and HCC.

Methods

The genetic summary data of exposures and outcome were retrieved from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We used PD and LARG as exposures and HCC as outcome. Five MR methods were used to investigate the causal relationship between PD, LARG, and HCC. The result of inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was deemed as principal result. Besides, we performed a comprehensive sensitivity analysis to verify the robustness of the results.

Results

The IVW results showed that PD [odds ratio (OR) 1.006, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.000–1.011, P = 0.033] and LARG (OR 0.994, 95% CI 0.988–1.000, P = 0.035) were causally associated with the incidence of HCC. Sensitivity analysis did not identify any bias in the results.

Conclusion

PD turned out to be a mild risk factor for HCC. In contrast, LARG is a protective factor for HCC. Therefore, it is highly recommended that people with PD are seeking positive leisure activities such as participation in formal religious social activities, which may help them reduce the risk of HCC.

Graphical abstract
Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood in NSCLC patients discriminates responders to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Krizova Ludmila , Benesova Iva , Zemanova Petra , Spacek Jan , Strizova Zuzana , Humlova Zuzana , Mikulova Veronika , Petruzelka Lubos , Vocka Michal
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) dramatically changed the prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Unfortunately, a reliable predictive biomarker is still missing. Commonly used biomarkers, such as PD-L1, MSI, or TMB, are not quite accurate in predicting ICI efficacy.

Methods

In this prospective observational cohort study, we investigated the predictive role of erythrocytes, thrombocytes, innate and adaptive immune cells, complement proteins (C3, C4), and cytokines from peripheral blood of 224 patients with stage III/IV NSCLC treated with ICI alone (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab) or in combination (nivolumab + ipilimumab) with chemotherapy. These values were analyzed for associations with the response to the treatment and survival endpoints.

Results

Higher baseline Tregs, MPV, hemoglobin, and lower monocyte levels were associated with favorable PFS and OS. Moreover, increased baseline basophils and lower levels of C3 predicted significantly improved PFS. The levels of the baseline immature granulocytes, C3, and monocytes were significantly associated with the occurrence of partial regression at the first restaging. Multiple studied parameters (n = 9) were related to PFS benefit at the time of first restaging as compared to baseline values. In addition, PFS nonbenefit group showed a decrease in lymphocyte count after three months of therapy. The OS benefit was associated with higher levels of lymphocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, MCV, and MPV, and a lower value of NLR after three months of treatment.

Conclusion

Our work suggests that parameters from peripheral venous blood may be potential biomarkers in NSCLC patients on ICI. The baseline values of Tregs, C3, monocytes, and MPV are especially recommended for further investigation.
Evaluation of Mixing Effects and Particle Breakage on a Cross Flow Turbine with DEM
Authors: Denzel Michael , Prenner Michael , Sifferlinger Nikolaus A.
Published: February 2024

Various effects during conveying and storage processes lead to size segregation of bulk material, but many applications require a mostly constant particle size distribution. Especially during bunker filling, segregation effects are noticed, which are further intensified by possible core flow effects. In order to reduce segregation effects during bunker filling, a cross flow turbine is installed at a bunker used for storage of blast furnace sinter. In this contribution, discrete element simulations were performed to analyze mixing effects and possible particle breakage due to the cross flow turbine. Significant mixing effects during bunker filling are noticed due to the cross flow turbine. The results show a more evenly distributed bunker outflow in terms of particle size.

Particle breakage is analyzed by means of a newly developed breakage model for the Discrete Element Method (DEM). The model is based on a probabilistic particle replacement with voronoi-tessellated fragments. The validated breakage model allows high accuracy in prediction of fragment size distribution. Fragments are further breakable, which allows simulation of processes with several damaging effects. The breakage model was calibrated with a specially developed automated single particle impact tester for rapid analysis of breakage characteristics of bulk materials.
Factorial design-assisted spectrophotometric methods for the determination of total catechins in green tea extract via reaction with MBTH. Application to commercial tablet
Authors: Salem Yara N. , Sharaf El-Din Mohie K. , Sheribah Zeinab A. , Fathy Mona E.
Published: February 2024

Green tea extract (GTE) is a supplement derived from the green tea plant which aids in weight loss along with other innumerable health. New analytical methods for determining GTE via its catechins using a design-assisted spectrophotometric methodologies are provided. The procedures are based on the formation of orange-colored products that are detectable at 473 or 455 nm, respectively, when catechins react with MBTH in the presence of FeCl3 (method I) or K2S2O8 (method II). Critical parameters were optimized using design of experiments (DOE). The absorbance-concentration plots were rectilinear over the ranges 4.0–20.0 or 4.0–40.0 µg cm−3 with limits of detection 0.393 or 0.493 µg cm−3 for methods I & II, respectively. Our methods were applied to pure catechins in GTE, namely (-)-epicatechin and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate. Moreover, the proposed methods were perfectly applied to the analysis of GTE in a commercial tablet. Good agreement between the collected data and those of the reported approach demonstrating that there were no significant variations. According to International Council for Harmonization (ICH) Guidelines, the procedures were validated.

Graphical abstract
Occlusal equilibration and muscle activity in fixed versus removable mandibular implant supported overdenture
Authors: Elboraey Asmaa N. , Dehis Wessam M. , Eissa Sherihan M. , El-Hotieby Menatallah Mohamed , Abdelkader Omar K.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Single denture rehabilitated patients have negative appraisals regarding oral function, mostly associated by stability and retention issues regarding mandibular prosthetics. Therefore, this study assessed patients’ occlusal equilibration, muscle activity, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) receiving milled removable or fixed mandibular implant retained prostheses.

Materials and methods

Twenty-two edentulous mandibular ridges patients were randomly distributed into two groups based on the definitive prosthesis received. Group I: Removable mandibular implant-supported overdenture, Group II: Implant retained fixed prosthesis. Occlusal equilibration was evaluated utilizing Occlusense, muscle activity via Electromyograph (EMG) at delivery, after one, and three months. The OHRQoL was evaluated by Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-19) before delivery and after follow-ups. Data were collected, tabulated, and analyzed, utilizing independent t-test and One-way ANOVA followed Tukey`s post-hoc test. Significance level set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results

Groups I &II showed significant improvement in occlusal equilibration, muscle activity and OHRQoL. Group II demonstrated significantly higher improvement than group I in occlusal equilibration associated with muscle activity after 1 month, and in functional limitations domain in OHRQoL questionnaire after 3 months.

Conclusion

Implant retained mandibular prosthesis showed improvement in occlusal equilibration, muscle activity, and OHRQoL regardless of prosthesis type employed. Fixed implant-supported prosthesis revealed better outcomes than removable mandibular implant-supported overdenture concerning occlusal equilibration, muscle activity, and OHRQoL regarding functional limitations.

Clinical relevance

Implant retained mandibular prosthesis is one of best treatment options for single mandibular completely edentulous patients, as dental implants improved occlusal equilibration, muscle activity, and OHRQoL.
Auto-segmentation of Adult-Type Diffuse Gliomas: Comparison of Transfer Learning-Based Convolutional Neural Network Model vs. Radiologists
Authors: Wan Qi , Kim Jisoo , Lindsay Clifford , Chen Xin , Li Jing , Iorgulescu J. Bryan , Huang Raymond Y. , Zhang Chenxi , Reardon David , Young Geoffrey S. , Qin Lei
Published: February 2024

Segmentation of glioma is crucial for quantitative brain tumor assessment, to guide therapeutic research and clinical management, but very time-consuming. Fully automated tools for the segmentation of multi-sequence MRI are needed. We developed and pretrained a deep learning (DL) model using publicly available datasets A (n = 210) and B (n = 369) containing FLAIR, T2WI, and contrast-enhanced (CE)-T1WI. This was then fine-tuned with our institutional dataset (n = 197) containing ADC, T2WI, and CE-T1WI, manually annotated by radiologists, and split into training (n = 100) and testing (n = 97) sets. The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was used to compare model outputs and manual labels. A third independent radiologist assessed segmentation quality on a semi-quantitative 5-scale score. Differences in DSC between new and recurrent gliomas, and between uni or multifocal gliomas were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test. Semi-quantitative analyses were compared using the chi-square test. We found that there was good agreement between segmentations from the fine-tuned DL model and ground truth manual segmentations (median DSC: 0.729, std-dev: 0.134). DSC was higher for newly diagnosed (0.807) than recurrent (0.698) (p < 0.001), and higher for unifocal (0.747) than multi-focal (0.613) cases (p = 0.001). Semi-quantitative scores of DL and manual segmentation were not significantly different (mean: 3.567 vs. 3.639; 93.8% vs. 97.9% scoring ≥ 3, p = 0.107). In conclusion, the proposed transfer learning DL performed similarly to human radiologists in glioma segmentation on both structural and ADC sequences. Further improvement in segmenting challenging postoperative and multifocal glioma cases is needed.