bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choroidal vascularity index of patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Seo Won-Woo , Yoo Hyo Soon , Kim Yong Dae , Park Sung Pyo , Kim Yong-Kyu
Published: February 2022

We investigated the changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and their relationship with the severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease (CAD). Ninety patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) for evaluation of their coronary artery status and cardiac symptoms were included. Forty-two patients showed no evidence of CAD; 31 patients had one to two vessel disease; and 17 had a triple vessel disease. There were no significant differences in the subfoveal choroidal thickness among the three groups; however, the CVI in the triple vessel disease group was lower than those in the other groups. The CVI values were good predictors of the presence of triple-vessel disease (p = 0.020). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results revealed that male sex (odds ratio 5.4, p = 0.049), hypertension (odds ratio 4.9, p = 0.017), and CVI (%, odds ratio 0.8, p = 0.016) were significant factors associated with the presence of triple vessel disease. Although CVI may not be a sensitive marker for detecting early changes in the coronary artery, it may be helpful in indicating severe CAD.
A video-based analysis of situations bearing the risk of respiratory disease transmission during football matches
Authors: Faude Oliver , Müller Simon , Schreiber Sebastian , Müller Jonas , Nebiker Lukas , Beaudouin Florian , Meyer Tim , Egger Florian
Published: February 2022

We aimed to analyze the number and type of contacts involving the risk of respiratory disease transmission during football match play. We analysed 50 matches from different playing levels. Two reviewers evaluated the contacts of all players in each match. We focused on between-player contacts, crowding, actions with potentially increased aerosol and droplet production and within-player hand-to-head contacts. We categorized the duels with direct contact into frontal and other ones and measured contact duration. The number of between-player contacts were similar between playing levels (median 28.3 [IQR 22.6, 33] contacts per player-hour). Frontal contacts summed up to 8% of all contacts. Contacts involving the head occurred less than once per player and match with none lasting longer than 3 s. Crowding included between two and six players and the duration was mostly less than 10 s. Aerosol and droplet producing activities were three to four times more frequent in adult compared to youth players. Our results suggest that the risk of respiratory pathogen transmission is low during football matches. This conclusion is based on the finding that most close contact situations are of short duration and on the fact that it is an outdoor sport.
On the influence of water on THz vibrational spectral features of molecular crystals
Authors: Mitryukovskiy Sergey , Vanpoucke Danny E. P. , Bai Yue , Hannotte Théo , Lavancier Mélanie , Hourlier Djamila , Roos Goedele , Peretti Romain
Published: February 2022

Phase transformation under dehydration of α-lactose monohydrate, experimentally followed with TeraHertz spectroscopy and analyzed by periodic DFT computations.
Cu2+-Induced self-assembly and amyloid formation of a cyclic d,l-α-peptide: structure and function
Authors: Klose Daniel , Vemulapalli Sahithya Phani Babu , Richman Michal , Rudnick Safra , Aisha Vered , Abayev Meital , Chemerovski Marina , Shviro Meital , Zitoun David , Majer Katharina , Wili Nino , Goobes Gil , Griesinger Christian , Jeschke Gunnar , Rahimipour Shai
Published: February 2022

The self-assembly of the cyclic d,l-α-peptide generates amyloid-like structures and this process can be arrested at the level of the dimer giving insights into early-stage aggregation and polymorphism.
Titanium nitride as an alternative and reusable plasmonic substrate for fluorescence coupling
Authors: Mishra Prabhat , Debnath Anil K. , Dutta Choudhury Sharmistha
Published: February 2022

Fluorophores couple with surface plasmons and waveguide optical modes in TiN-based metal–dielectric substrates to provide selectively polarized and directional emission.
A different protein corona cloaks “true-to-life” nanoplastics with respect to synthetic polystyrene nanobeads
Authors: Ducoli Serena , Federici Stefania , Nicsanu Roland , Zendrini Andrea , Marchesi Claudio , Paolini Lucia , Radeghieri Annalisa , Bergese Paolo , Depero Laura E.
Published: February 2022

True-to-life nanoplastics as a closer model for environmental nanoplastics pollution.
Rationally designed Tröger's base decorated bis-carbazoles as twisted solid-state emitting materials and dead bacterial cell imaging
Authors: Jejurkar Valmik P. , Yashwantrao Gauravi , Suryavanshi Atharva , Mone Nishigandha , Madiwal Vaibhav , Ware Anuja P. , Pingale Subhas S. , Satpute Surekha , Rajwade Jyutika M. , Saha Satyajit
Published: February 2022

Troger's base decorated bis-carbazoles were investigated as solid-state emitting materials for dead bacterial staining agents to assess bacterial cell death based on fluorescence.
In silico studies revealed interaction mechanisms of benzylidene–acrylohydrazide derivatives and nsP2 CHIKV
Authors: Muniz Larissa Silva , da Rocha Pita Samuel Silva
Published: February 2022

Here we studied benzylidene–acrylohydrazide derivatives via ADMET properties and docking analysis in the hope that they will be useful chemical moieties against the Chikungunya virus.
Multifunctional integrated VN/V2O5 heterostructure sulfur hosts for advanced lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Liu Bo-Tian , Li Huan , Shi Chenglong , Sun Junlong , Xiao Shunhua , Pang Youyong , Yang Jianwen , Li Yanwei
Published: February 2022

Profiting from the elaborate design, the novel host materials combining advantages of the trapping ability (by V2O5) and catalytic activity (by VN) can significantly improve the cycle stability of Li–S batteries.
Long-life reversible Li-CO2batteries with optimized Li2CO3flakes as discharge products on palladium-copper nanoparticles
Authors: Gong Hao , Yu Xingyu , Xu Yunyun , Gao Bin , Xue Hairong , Fan Xiaoli , Guo Hu , Wang Tao , He Jianping
Published: February 2022

A long-life Li-CO2battery was achieved with bimetallic PdCu alloys on CNFs as a cathode.
Virtual screening of phytochemicals from Indian medicinal plants against the endonuclease domain of SFTS virus L polymerase
Authors: Vivek-Ananth R. P. , Sahoo Ajaya Kumar , Srivastava Ashutosh , Samal Areejit
Published: February 2022

Virtual screening of a large phytochemical library from Indian medicinal plants to identify potential endonuclease inhibitors against emerging virus SFTSV.
Hydrothermal synthesis of water-soluble Mn- and Cu-doped CdSe quantum dots with multi-shell structures and their photoluminescence properties
Authors: Nishimura Hisaaki , Enomoto Kazushi , Pu Yong-Jin , Kim DaeGwi
Published: February 2022

The core/shell/shell QD structure with doping in the shell layer is a versatile method for synthesizing doped QDs.
Synthesis and applications of [60]fullerene nanoconjugate with 5-aminolevulinic acid and its glycoconjugate as drug delivery vehicles
Authors: Serda Maciej , Gawecki Robert , Dulski Mateusz , Sajewicz Mieczysław , Talik Ewa , Szubka Magdalena , Zubko Maciej , Malarz Katarzyna , Mrozek-Wilczkiewicz Anna , Musioł Robert
Published: February 2022

The 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) prodrug is widely used in clinical applications, primarily for skin cancer treatments and to visualize brain tumors in neurosurgery.
Ultrahigh oxygen evolution reaction activity in Au doped co-based nanosheets
Authors: Cai Chao , Han Shaobo , Zhang Xiaotao , Yu Jingxia , Xiang Xia , Yang Jack , Qiao Liang , Zu Xiaotao , Chen Yuanzheng , Li Sean
Published: February 2022

Manipulating Co oxidation by loading Au atoms can substantially enhance the OER activity of those activated Co ions.
Porous nanographene formation on γ-alumina nanoparticles via transition-metal-free methane activation
Authors: Yamamoto Masanori , Zhao Qi , Goto Shunsuke , Gu Yu , Toriyama Takaaki , Yamamoto Tomokazu , Nishihara Hirotomo , Aziz Alex , Crespo-Otero Rachel , Di Tommaso Devis , Tamura Masazumi , Tomishige Keiichi , Kyotani Takashi , Yamazaki Kaoru
Published: February 2022

Oxygen vacancies on the (100) surface of γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles catalyse CH4-CVD for single-layered nanoporous graphenes with no transition metal reaction centre. The rate-limiting step is the proton transfer (PT) in the activation of CH4 on them.
Metal@hollow carbon sphere nanoreactors for sustainable biomass and CO2valorization
Authors: Kuang Yongqi , Li Hao
Published: February 2022

This article provides recent advances in the construction of MHCSs with desired confined microenvironmental effects for the conversion of CO2and biomass in the fields of photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and thermal catalysis.
Polyanionic insertion hosts for aqueous rechargeable batteries
Authors: Sharma Lalit , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: February 2022

This review highlights recent advances in the field of polyanion cathode materials for aqueous lithium-, sodium-, and zinc-ion batteries along with critical challenges and relevant future directions.
Hot hole transfer from Ag nanoparticles to multiferroic YMn2O5 nanowires enables superior photocatalytic activity
Authors: Alam Kazi M. , Gusarov Sergey , Supur Mustafa , Kumar Pawan , Kobryn Alexander E. , Cui Kai , McCreery Richard L. , Shankar Karthik
Published: February 2022

Low bandgap YMn2O5 nanowires decorated with Ag nanoparticles show dramatic enhancement in photocatalytic activity for 4-NBT to DMAB transformation due to improved charge separation and more efficient phonon-assisted damping of Ag plasmons.
Binuclear copper iodine cluster-based coordination sheets as photocatalysts for decarboxylative cyanation
Authors: Zhong Bingwen , Huang Huilin , Jing Xu , Duan Chunying
Published: February 2022

Porous coordination polymers were used as photocatalysts, combining photocatalysis and copper catalysis to realize decarboxylative radical cyanation reactions.
Lanthanide-based metal–organic framework materials as bifunctional fluorescence sensors toward acetylacetone and aspartic acid
Authors: Li Yu-Guang , Hu Jun-Jie , Zhang Jia-Li , Liu Sui-Jun , Peng Yan , Wen He-Rui
Published: February 2022

Three lanthanide-based MOFs with a pyrene-based carboxylate ligand were solvothermally synthesized, which could be considered as fluorescence sensors toward acetylacetone and aspartic acid via a turn-on effect.
Synthesis of durene by methylation of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene with syngas over bifunctional CuZnZrOx–HZSM-5 catalysts
Authors: Wen Danlu , Zuo Jiachang , Han Xiaoqin , Liu Jia , Ye Linmin , Yuan Youzhu
Published: February 2022

1,2,4-TriMB methylation with syngas conversion over CuZnZrOx–Z5 shows over 90% durene selectivity in tetramethylbenzene, which develops a promising route for the synthesis of value-added durene.
Iron(ii) complexes supported by pyrazolyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands: synthesis and reactivity
Authors: Rungthanaphatsophon Pokpong , Rath Nigam P. , Neely Jamie M.
Published: February 2022

This work details the synthesis of bis(pyrazolyl)cyclopentadienyl iron complexes. An iron chloride precursor allows entry to several derivatives by ligand exchange. Removal of a pyrazoyl unit in the ligand leads to formation of a ferrocene complex.
Cleavage of an aromatic ring and radical migration
Authors: Mebel Alexander M. , Frenklach Michael
Published: February 2022

Reaction-rate analysis of thermal ring cleavage in sooting flames shows that it can be comparable in rate to oxyradical decomposition and that fast internal ring radical migration is comparable in frequency to reaction events of aromatic growth.
Statistical theory for the reaction N + OH → NO + H: thermal low-temperature rate constants
Authors: Maergoiz A. I. , Nikitin E. E. , Troe J.
Published: February 2022

A statistical treatment of the reaction N + OH → NO + H is developed to characterize the redissociation processes by a state-specific criterion.
In situ insertion of copper to form heteroanionic D3h-symmetric [Cu3Mo8O32]10− for a templated Ag55 nanocluster
Authors: Gao Jin-Ping , Qi Zhikai , Zhang Fu-Qiang , Zhang Xian-Ming
Published: February 2022

A 55-nuclearity sliver nanocluster, [Cu3(Mo4O16)2@Ag55(CyhS)43], was constructed and consisted of a new, sandwich-type, D3h-symmetric heterometallic [Cu3(Mo4O16)2]10− anionic core and a thiolate-protected Ag55S43 shell.
High performance microwave absorption of light weight and porous non-carbon-based polymeric monoliths via a gel emulsion template
Authors: Zhang Cheng , He Yuting , Song Qingwen , Tan Yanjun , Ren Yubo , Cheng Wei , Miao Runfeng , Fan Wei , Zhou Deyun
Published: February 2022

Novel porous non-carbon-based microwave-absorbing materials were established, which exhibit excellent microwave absorption properties comparable with those of carbon-based materials.
Ionic guest in ionic host: ionosilica ionogel composites via ionic liquid confinement in ionosilica supports
Authors: Abdou Nicole , Alonso Bruno , Brun Nicolas , Landois Périne , Taubert Andreas , Hesemann Peter , Mehdi Ahmad
Published: February 2022

Non-hydrolytic sol–gel strategies allow accessing all-ionic ionosilica ionogels containing up to 80 wt% of supported IL. These phases display modulable electrochemical properties.
Visible light-induced synthesis of (Z)-β-iodoenamides from N-vinyl amides mediated by the ion pair charge transfer state
Authors: Sun Rui , Yang Xiao , Ge Yi-Cen , Zheng Xue-Li , Yuan Mao-Lin , Li Rui-Xiang , Fu Hai-Yan , Chen Hua
Published: February 2022

A facile and novel approach for the highly chemo- and stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-β-iodoenamides from N-vinyl amides has been developed based on a visible-light-induced ion pair charge transfer state derived from pyridinium iodides.
N, P, and S co-doped 3D porous carbon-architectured cathode for high-performance Zn-ion hybrid capacitors
Authors: Shang Kezheng , Liu Yangjie , Cai Pingwei , Li Kangkang , Wen Zhenhai
Published: February 2022

Homogeneous N, P, S self-doped porous carbons were successfully prepared with high-amount heteroatom doping, interconnected pore structure and enhanced conductivity, which exhibited an excellent rate performance and stability as a cathode of ZHIC.
Studying membrane proteins with MicroED
Authors: Gallenito Marc J. , Gonen Tamir
Published: February 2022

The structural investigation of biological macromolecules is indispensable in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases. Several structural biology techniques have been introduced to unravel the structural facets of biomolecules. Among these, the electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) method microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) has produced atomic resolution structures of important biological and small molecules. Since its inception in 2013, MicroED established a demonstrated ability for solving structures of difficult samples using vanishingly small crystals. However, membrane proteins remain the next big frontier for MicroED. The intrinsic properties of membrane proteins necessitate improved sample handling and imaging techniques to be developed and optimized for MicroED. Here, we summarize the milestones of electron crystallography of two-dimensional crystals leading to MicroED of three-dimensional crystals. Then, we focus on four different membrane protein families and discuss representatives from each family solved by MicroED.
The insecticide β-Cyfluthrin induces acute arrhythmic cardiotoxicity through interaction with NaV1.5 and ranolazine reverses the phenotype
Authors: da Silva Maria Vitoria , Santos-Miranda Artur , Joviano-Santos Julliane V. , Souza Diego Santos , Marques Leisiane Pereira , Sarmento Jaqueline Oliveira , Beserra Samuel Santos , Roman-Campos Danilo
Published: February 2022

β-Cyfluthrin, a class II Pyrethroid, is an insecticide used worldwide in agriculture, horticulture (field and protected crops), viticulture, and domestic applications. β-Cyfluthrin may impair the function of biological systems; however, little information is available about its potential cardiotoxic effect. Here, we explored the acute toxicity of β-Cyfluthrin in isolated heart preparations and its cellular basis, using isolated cardiomyocytes. Moreover, β-Cyfluthrin effects on the sodium current, especially late sodium current (INa-L), were investigated using human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) cells transiently expressing human NaV1.5 channels. We report that β-Cyfluthrin raised INa-L in a dose-dependent manner. β-Cyfluthrin prolonged the repolarization of the action potential (AP) and triggered oscillations on its duration. Cardiomyocytes contraction and calcium dynamics were disrupted by the pesticide with a marked incidence of non-electronic-stimulated contractions. The antiarrhythmic drug Ranolazine was able to reverse most of the phenotypes observed in isolated cells. Lastly, ventricular premature beats (VPBs) and long QT intervals were found during β-Cyfluthrin exposure, and Ranolazine was able to attenuate them. Overall, we demonstrated that β-Cyfluthrin can cause significant cardiac alterations and Ranolazine ameliorated the phenotype. Understanding the insecticides’ impacts upon electromechanical properties of the heart is important for the development of therapeutic approaches to treat cases of pesticides intoxication.
Metabolomics as an emerging tool to study plant–microbe interactions
Authors: Gupta Sneha , Schillaci Martino , Roessner Ute
Published: February 2022

In natural environments, interaction between plant roots and microorganisms are common. These interactions between microbial species and plants inhabited by them are being studied using various techniques. Metabolomics research based on mass spectrometric techniques is one of the crucial approaches that underpins system biology and relies on precision instrument analysis. In the last decade, this emerging field has received extensive attention. It provides a qualitative and quantitative approach for determining the mechanisms of symbiosis of bacteria and fungi with plants and also helps to elucidate the tolerance mechanisms of host plants against various abiotic stresses. However, this -omics application and its tools in plant–microbe interaction studies is still underutilized compared with genomic and transcriptomic methods. Therefore, it is crucial to bring this field forward to bear on the study of plant resistance and susceptibility. This review describes the current status of methods and progress in metabolomics applications for plant–microbe interaction studies discussing current challenges and future prospects.
Tell or Retell? The Role of Task and Language in Spanish–English Narrative Microstructure Performance
Authors: Wofford Mary Claire , Cano Jessica , Goodrich J. Marc , Fitton Lisa
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

This study examined performance of dual language learners (DLLs) on Spanish- and English-language narrative story retells and unique tells. Transcription and analysis focused on comparisons of common microstructural language sample measures in Spanish and English across tasks. Each language sample measure was evaluated for its possible convergence with norm-referenced standardized assessments for DLL children.

Method:

Spanish–English DLLs (
N
= 133) enrolled in English-only kindergarten or first-grade classrooms completed two-language sample tasks (one in each language), which were transcribed and analyzed using Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (Miller & Iglesias, 2017) for measures of syntactic complexity (mean length of utterance [MLU] in words), lexical diversity (number of different words [NDW]), and grammaticality (percent grammatical utterances [PGU]). Students also completed a norm-referenced sentence repetition task (Peña et al., 2014) and expressive vocabulary assessment (Martin, 2013).

Results:

Comparison of story retells and unique stories revealed similar performance on MLU, NDW, and PGU across elicitation techniques, with one exception: NDW in Spanish was higher in the story retell condition. Predictive models revealed several differences in the relations between the microstructure measures and norm-referenced language measures by elicitation technique, although neither context demonstrated a consistent advantage across all metrics.

Conclusions:

Measures derived from story retells and unique tells offer practical findings for speech-language pathologists and other educators to use in assessment of early grade DLLs. This work increases knowledge of procedural differences across narrative assessments and their influence on language variables, supporting school-based speech-language pathologists in making assessment decisions for DLLs on their caseload.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.19191278
Trajectory tracking for underactuated surface vessels with time delays and unknown control directions
Authors: Chen Hua , Chen Yun , Wang Mengqi
Published: February 2022

The problem of trajectory tracking control for underactuated surface vessels with time‐delays, model uncertainty and unknown control directions has been considered in this paper. Firstly, an integration time delayed sliding mode controller is proposed, which decomposes the underactuated non‐linear system into a cascading system consisting of a kinematics subsystem and a dynamics subsystem. Secondly, an adaptive backstepping control method for the heading angle system is proposed, which can drive the heading angle error into a preset interval. Then the Bouc‐wen model is used to describe the hysteresis of the system, Nussbaum gain function is adopted to deal with unknown control directions, and the adaptive controller is designed by combining error transformation with Lyapunov function. Furthermore, a suitable Lyapunov‐Krasovsky function is selected to analyse and prove the global stability of the closed‐loop system. Finally, some numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the presented control methods.
Torque ripple reduction of brushless DC motor with convex arc‐type permanent magnets based on robust optimization design
Authors: Feng Haichao , Zhang Sheng , Wei Jinsong , Xu Xiaozhuo , Gao Caixia , Ai Liwang
Published: February 2022

The mass production of the motors causes tolerance of shape and dimension, deviation of permanent magnet remanence and rotor eccentricity error, which affect the cogging torque and torque ripple amplitude and performance consistency. In order to reduce the torque ripple of the motor in the actual condition, the robustness optimization is performed in the paper. Firstly, an improving convex arc type permanent magnet structure is adopted to improve air gap flux density and suppress the cogging torque. Secondly, the structure parameters of the magnetic pole are selected as optimization variables, and the magnetization angle, remanence and position of the permanent magnet, static and dynamic rotor eccentricity are considered as noise factors. To improve the overall robustness of the motor under different operating conditions, the dynamic Taguchi method is used to optimize the robustness of the motor, and the test data is processed through the relation analysis method to obtain the optimal combination of control factors. Finally, the prototype is manufactured for the experiment. Compared with the single‐operating conditions robust optimization results, the robust optimization method improves the robustness of the motor. The cogging torque amplitude is reduced by 39.2%. The torque ripple is 38.4% lower than that before optimization.
Solvothermal synthesis of a new heterometallic Cd–Ba compound based on terephthalic acid: Catalytic property and therapeutic effect on diabetes
Authors: Tu Jia‐Shu , Zhang Shao‐Wen , Ying Hong‐An , Hong Wei‐Wen , Chen Dan
Published: February 2022

Presented is a new heterometallic compound, namely [Cd2Ba2(pdc)4(H2O)4(DMA)2]}n·n(H2O) (1, H2pdc = terephthalic acid, DMA is N, N′‐dimethylacetamide), which was created with the solvothermal reaction. The architectural analysis of X‐ray indicated that the 1 reveals a three‐dimensional skeleton according to one‐dimensional infinite chains. After removal of the free along with coordinated solvent molecules, it contains 49.8% solvent‐accessible volume and unsaturated coordination sites. The solvent‐free form of 1 exhibits excellent catalytic effect for the addition reaction between diethylzinc and benzaldehyde. Its therapeutic effect and mechanism exploration on diabetes was conducted in this present research. Firstly, the abundance of intestinal flora in the gut was detected with real time RT‐PCR assay. Besides, the measurement of the levels of sugar was conducted with blood glucose meter in the T2DM animal after compound treatment. The cytotoxicity of the 1 was evaluated with CCK‐8 assay.
Thermal scanning probe lithography using Parylene C as thermal resist
Authors: Jiang Yun , Dodds Kevin , Dunare Camelia , Lomax Peter , Cheung Rebecca
Published: February 2022

Thermal scanning probe lithography is a direct‐write patterning method that uses a heated scanning probe tip to remove thermal resist. The most widely used thermal resist is polyphthalaldehyde. Another alternative thermal resist, Parylene C is introduced in this letter. It has been found that Parylene C has a wide process latitude as a thermal resist under our experimental conditions. A high resolution of ∼40 nm can be achieved in our optimised process. In addition, patterns in parylene layer can be transferred directly into the substrate with deep reactive ion etching without an additional hard mask, thus simplifying the fabrication process.
Anti‐saturation GPC speed control of induction motor drives
Authors: Khelifi otmane Khelifa
Published: February 2022

One of the most critical issues in the fast and large step change in the speed control of an induction motor is the excessive generated current command, and consequently, if the speed controller does not have output magnitude limiter, this might end up damaging the power electronics converter and the motor itself. This paper is devoted to overcoming the speed controller saturation phenomenon. Firstly, predictive controllers in polynomial form are designed for the speed control loop and for the two inner currents control loops. Then, the outer predictive speed controller is retuned by convex optimization of the Youla parameter considering temporal and frequency constraints, so that the resulting controller assures that the speed response to the reference remains in an imposed template with a minimal current command in transient periods and, in other hand, it keeps the closed loop features obtained by the initial predictive controller. Simulations results show the speed control performance of the proposed control system for various operating conditions of the motor.
Analysis of the public HARPS/ESO spectroscopic archive
Authors: Sreenivas K. R. , Perdelwitz V. , Tal-Or L. , Trifonov T. , Zucker S. , Mazeh T.
Published: February 2022

Aims. We use the recently published database of radial velocities (RVs) that were derived from fifteen years of HARPS/ESO observations to search for planet candidates.

Methods. For targets with sufficient RV data, we applied an automated algorithm to identify significant periodic signals and fit a Keplerian model for orbital estimates. We also searched the auxiliary data of stellar-activity indices and compared our findings with existing literature, to detect periodic RV signals that have no counterpart in the activity timeseries. The most convincing signals were then manually inspected to designate additional false planet detection, focusing the search on long-period (P > 1 000 days) massive candidates around FGK dwarf stars.

Results. We identified two Jupiter analogs, in orbit around the slightly evolved F8V star HD 103891 and the Solar-like star HD 105779. We used nested sampling to derive their orbital parameters, and found their orbital periods to be 1919 ± 16 days and 2412 ± 54 days, while their minimum masses are 1.44 ± 0.02 MJup and 0.64 ± 0.06 MJup, respectively. While the orbit of HD 103891 b is slightly eccentric (e = 0.31 ± 0.03), that of HD 105779 b is likely circular (e < 0.16).

Conclusions. With minimum astrometric signatures of ~59 and ~42 μas, HD 103891 b and HD 105779 b join the growing sample of planets whose exact masses may soon be derived with Gaia astrometry. This finding also highlights the importance of long-term RV surveys to study planetary occurrence beyond the snow line of Solar-like stars.
Calibration of quasi-static aberrations in exoplanet direct-imaging instruments with a Zernike phase-mask sensor
Authors: Vigan A. , Dohlen K. , N’Diaye M. , Cantalloube F. , Girard J. H. , Milli J. , Sauvage J.-F. , Wahhaj Z. , Zins G. , Beuzit J.-L. , Caillat A. , Costille A. , Le Merrer J. , Mouillet D. , Tourenq S.
Published: February 2022

Coronagraphic imaging of exoplanets and circumstellar environments using ground-based instruments on large telescopes is intrinsically limited by speckles induced by uncorrected aberrations. These aberrations originate from the imperfect correction of the atmosphere by an extreme adaptive optics system; from static optical defects; or from small opto-mechanical variations due to changes in temperature, pressure, or gravity vector. More than the speckles themselves, the performance of high-contrast imagers is ultimately limited by their temporal stability, since most post-processing techniques rely on difference of images acquired at different points in time. Identifying the origin of the aberrations and the timescales involved is therefore crucial to understanding the fundamental limits of dedicated high-contrast instruments. In previous works we demonstrated the use of a Zernike wavefront sensor called ZELDA for sensing non-common path aberrations (NCPA) in the VLT/SPHERE instrument. We now use ZELDA to investigate the stability of the instrumental aberrations using five long sequences of measurements obtained at high cadence on the internal calibration source. Our study reveals two regimes of decorrelation of the NCPA. The first, with a characteristic timescale of a few seconds and an amplitude of a few nanometers, is induced by a fast internal turbulence within the enclosure. The second is a slow quasi-linear decorrelation on the order of a few 10−3 nmrms s−1 that acts on timescales from minutes to hours. We use coronagraphic image reconstruction to demonstrate that these two NCPA contributions have a measurable impact on differences of images, and that the fast internal turbulence is a dominating term over to the slow linear decorrelation. We also use dedicated sequences where the derotator and atmospheric dispersion compensators emulate a real observation to demonstrate the importance of performing observations symmetric around the meridian, which minimizes speckle decorrelation, and therefore maximizes the sensitivity to point sources in difference of images.
Erste Anwendungserfahrung eines neuen, Glukosesensor-unterstützten Pumpensystems mit vorausschauender Insulin-Abschaltung zum Hypoglykämieschutz bei pädiatrischen Patienten in Deutschland
Authors: von dem Berge Thekla , Remus Kerstin , Biester Sarah , Reschke Felix , Datz Nicolin , Danne Thomas , Kordonouri Olga , Biester Torben
Published: February 2022

Einleitung Die prädiktive Insulinabschaltung ist als System zur Prävention von Hypoglykämien in Deutschland etabliert (Smartguard). Seit 2020 ist in Deutschland ein zweites System verfügbar (Basal-IQ). Unterschiede betreffen eine nicht veränderbare prädiktive Abschaltgrenze von 80 mg/dl (vs. 50–90 mg/dl), eine Abschaltzeit von minimal 5 Minuten (vs. 30 Minuten) sowie die Festlegung der Wiedereinschaltung des Insulin bei einem höheren Wert als zuvor (vs. einem Abstand von 20 mg/dl über der Abschaltgrenze und höherer Prädiktion). Die Systeme wurden in einer Altersgruppe, die besonders von Unterzuckerungen bedroht ist, verglichen.

Methodik Pädiatrische Patienten (Alter 6–13 Jahre), mit Pumpen- und Sensorerfahrung (kein AID) wurde die Erprobung von Basal-IQ für eine Dauer von 3 Monaten angeboten. Betrachtet wurden die CGM-Parameter Zeit unter Zielbereich (TBR < 70mg/dl), im Zielbereich (TIR 70–180 mg/dl), glykämische Variabilität (Varianzkoeffizient CV%) und HbA1c. Patienten-bezogene Outcomes (PROʼs) wurden mit dem Diabskids-Elternfragebogen und einem Gerätefragebogen erfasst.

Ergebnisse Neun Teilnehmer (alle männlich, Mittelwerte: 9.7 Jahre, Diabetesdauer 6.1 Jahre, HbA1c 6.8%, Time in Range (TIR) 61.9%, Time below Range (TBR) 4.5%, mittlere Glukose (MW) 164 mg/dl, (CV) 40) wurden gefunden. Nach 3 Monaten konnten Verbesserungen der glykämischen Parameter beobachtet werden (HbA1c 6.5%, TIR 69.2%, TBR 2.8%, MW 159, CV 40; Kontrollen HbA1c 7.2%, TIR 64.9%, TBR 4.3%, MW 158, CV 39), die sich von einer zeitgleich mit Smartguard behandelten Kindern nicht unterschieden. Die Erfassung der PROʼs zeigte einen Rückgang der Diabetes- und Therapiebelastung, sowie eine Zufriedenheit mit dem System.

Diskussion Das neue System mit prädiktiver Abschaltung zeigte nach 3 Monaten eine Verbesserung der glykämischen Parameter und PROʼs. Ein statistischer Vergleich vorher/nachher ist aufgrund der geringen Patientenzahl nicht erfolgt, aber die Daten zeigen zumindest die Nichtunterlegenheit gegenüber dem Baseline-Zeitpunkt und den Daten, die aus einer Gruppe von Patienten mit kontinuierlicher Systemnutzung stammen. Somit stehen in Deutschland aktuell zwei verschiedene effiziente Systeme mit prädiktiver Insulinabschaltung für Kinder und Jugendliche mit Diabetes zur Verfügung, so dass diese nach fundierter Beratung auswählen können.
Solide pseudopapilläre Pankreasneoplasie bei Kindern und
Jugendlichen
Authors: Madadi-Sanjani Omid , Zöller Christoph , Beilken Andreas , Pfister Eva-Doreen , Sander Björn , Ure Benno , Dingemann Jens
Published: February 2022

Hintergrund Pankreastumore im Kindes- und Jugendalter sind seltene
Entitäten, die lange Zeit asymptomatisch verlaufen und häufig
als Zufallsbefund bei bildgebenden Untersuchungen aus anderen Gründen
oder durch abdominelle Schmerzen auffallen. Solide pseudopapilläre
Pankreasneoplasien (SPN) sind seltene Vertreter dieser Gruppe. Die Therapie der
SPN besteht in der primären R0 Resektion. Wir stellen vier Fälle
von SPN vor und diskutieren das individualisierte diagnostische und
therapeutische Vorgehen.

Methode Retrospektive Fallstudie an Hand von vier Patientinnen mit SPNs,
die in den Jahren 2015–2020 behandelt wurden.

Ergebnisse Bei vier weiblichen Patienten (11–17 Jahre) wurde eine
SPN diagnostiziert. Drei SPN waren im Pankreaskopf lokalisiert. Die
histologische Sicherung erfolgte durch eine endosonographisch-, CT-gesteuerte
oder offene Tumorbiopsie. Eine R0-Resektion wurde mittels pyloruserhaltender,
partieller Duodenopankreatektomie nach Traverso-Longmire erzielt. In einem Fall
war der Tumor im Pankreasschwanz lokalisiert. Es bestand zusätzlich eine
Tumoradhärenz an den Milzgefäßen. Eine CT-gesteuerte
Biopsie bestätigte den Verdacht auf eine SPN und es erfolgte eine
Pankreasschwanzresektion mit Splenektomie. Im Follow-up (6–72 Monate,
Median: 28,5 Monate) ergaben sich bei keinem Patienten Hinweise auf
Tumorrezidive, Metastasen oder einen pankreopriven Diabetes.

Schlussfolgerung Zur Therapieplanung ist eine präoperative
histologische Diagnosesicherung von SPN notwendig. Aufgrund der
individualisierten diagnostischen und therapeutischen Konzepte, ist eine
Versorgung in Zentren mit spezialisierter Kinderchirurgie, Kinderonkologie,
Kinder-Gastroenterologie, Kinderradiologie und Pathologie essentiell.
Outcome of Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism Is More Favorable among Patients with Hematologic Malignancies than in Those with Solid Tumors
Authors: Lecumberri Ramón , Ruiz-Artacho Pedro , Tzoran Inna , Brenner Benjamin , Farge-Bancel Dominique , Ay Cihan , Rosa Vladimir , Francisco Iria , Hernández-Blasco Luis Manuel , Trujillo-Santos Javier , Monreal Manuel ,   the RIETE Investigators
Published: February 2022

Background The natural history of patients with hematologic cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE) has not been consistently evaluated. We aimed to compare the rates of symptomatic recurrent VTE, major bleeding, or death during anticoagulant therapy in patients with VTE associated with hematologic versus solid cancers.

Methods Consecutive patients with active cancer recruited in RIETE were evaluated. Their baseline characteristics, treatments, and outcomes during the course of anticoagulation were compared. Univariate and multivariate competing-risk analyses were performed.

Results As of December 2020, 16,694 patients with cancer and VTE were recruited. Of these, 1,062 (6.4%) had hematologic cancers. Hematologic patients were less likely to initially present with pulmonary embolism (46 vs. 55%) and more likely with upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (25 vs. 18%). They also were more likely to have severe thrombocytopenia at baseline (5.6 vs. 0.7%) or to receive chemotherapy (67 vs. 41%). During the course of anticoagulation (median, 150 vs. 127 days), 1,071 patients (6.4%) developed VTE recurrences, 806 (4.8%) suffered major bleeding, and 4,136 (24.8%) died. Patients with hematologic cancers had lower rates of recurrent VTE (rate ratio [RR]: 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56–0.95), major bleeding (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.53–0.98), or all-cause death (RR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.41–0.57) than those with solid cancers. Patients with multiple myeloma showed the best outcomes.

Conclusion Patients with hematologic cancers, particularly multiple myeloma, and VTE had better outcomes than those with solid cancers. These findings are relevant for the interpretation of previous clinical trials and the design of future studies.
The Lesson Learned from the New c.2547-1G > T Mutation Combined with p.R854Q: When a Type 2N Mutation Reveals a Quantitative von Willebrand Factor Defect
Authors: Casonato Alessandra , Cozzi Maria Rita , Ferrari Silvia , Rubin Beatrice , Gianesello Lisa , De Marco Luigi , Daidone Viviana
Published: February 2022

Type 2N is a rare von Willebrand disease (VWD) variant involving an impairment in the factor VIII (FVIII) carrier function of von Willebrand factor (VWF). It has a phenotype that mimics hemophilia A, and FVIII binding to VWF (VWF:FVIIIB) is tested to differentiate between the two disorders. Type 2N VWF defects may also be associated with quantitative VWF mutations (type 2N/type 1), further complicating the identification of cases. We report on a new quantitative VWF mutation (c.2547–1G > T) revealed by a p.R854Q type 2N mutation acting as homozygous despite being carried as a heterozygous defect. The proband had near-normal VWF levels (initially ruling out a defective VWF synthesis) and slightly reduced FVIII levels, while a VWF:FVIIIB test showed significantly reduced binding. Routine tests on type 2N homozygotes or heterozygotes combined with quantitative VWF defects in our cohort showed reduced FVIII levels in both groups, but it was only in the former that the FVIII/VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) ratio was always significantly reduced. The two tests are therefore not enough to identify all forms of type 2N VWD. While relatives of type 2N homozygotes usually have normal FVIII levels and FVIII/VWF:Ag ratios, relatives of type 2N/type 1 may have high FVIII/VWF:Ag ratios, but their VWF:FVIIIB and/or VWF:FVIIIB/VWF:Ag ratios are always low. Measuring FVIII and VWF levels may therefore suggest type 2N VWD in patients carrying type 2N mutations alone, but not in type 2N combined with quantitative VWF defects. The VWF:FVIIIB test should consequently be included when exploring VWF function, whatever VWD patient's phenotype.
Mongolian Gerbils as a Model for the Study of Cholesteatoma: Otoendoscopic as a Diagnostic Tool
Authors: Bauer Jefferson André , Huve Felipe da Costa , Oliveira Francine Hehn de , Silva Maurício Noschang Lopes da , Sperling Neil , Costa Sady Selaimen da
Published: February 2022

Introduction Cholesteatoma is a disease with significant clinical impact but is incompletely understood. The challenge of performing studies with long-term follow-up in humans is a factor that has restricted the advance of knowledge in this field. Thus, the use of animal models is highly pertinent, and the Mongolian gerbil model has emerged as one of the most useful.

Objective The present study aims to evaluate, through serial otoendoscopies, the development and characteristics of pars flaccida retraction pocket and cholesteatoma in Mongolian gerbils after obliteration of the eustachian tube and compare it with the control group.

Methods Forty Mongolian gerbils were divided into two groups of 20 animals each. In the intervention group, the animals were followed with serial otoendoscopies after eustachian tube obliteration. In the control group, the animals were only followed through serial otoendoscopies.

Results At the end of the 16-week follow-up, cholesteatoma was present in 13 of 38 (34.2%) ears in the intervention group, and in 7 of 34 (20.6%) in the control group (p = 0.197). When we considered cholesteatoma and its potential precursor, pars flaccida retraction pocket, in a combined way, we verified it in 23 of 38 (60.8%) in the intervention group and in 11 of 34 (32.3%) in the control group (p = 0.016).

Conclusions Over the 16 weeks of follow-up, serial otoendoscopies enabled us to evaluate the formation and development of pars flaccida retraction pockets and cholesteatomas in Mongolian gerbils and proved to be an excellent diagnostic tool.
Selective Neck Dissection for Node-Positive Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hashmi Syed Salman , Abbas Akbar , Bukhari Amna , Saeed Javeria , Shafqat Ali , Siddique Atif Hafeez , Buksh Ahmed Raheem , Murtaza Ghulam
Published: February 2022

Introduction Selective neck dissection in clinically node-negative neck is considered the standard of care for oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Controversy still prevails in node-positive disease regarding the extent of neck dissection. In our part of the world, comprehensive neck dissection is mostly considered to be the minimal optimal treatment for palpable neck disease.

Objective To compare regional control and disease-specific survival between clinically node-positive and node-negative patients undergoing selective neck dissection for oral SCC.

Methods This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in the department of ENT, Head and Neck surgery at a tertiary care hospital. All patients with biopsy-proven oral and lip SCC, with or without nodal disease, who underwent selective neck dissection between April 2006 and July 2015 were included in the study.

Results During the study period, 111 patients with oral SCC underwent selective neck dissection, of whom 71 (62%) were clinically node-negative and 40 (38%) patients had clinically positive nodes in the neck. The mean follow-up was 16.62 months (standard deviation [SD]: 17.03). The overall regional control rates were 95 versus 96% for clinical negative versus positive nodes, respectively (p = 0.589). The disease-specific survival was 84.5% in the node negative group versus 82.5% in the node-positive group (p = 0.703).

Conclusion Selective neck dissection in node-positive neck oral SCC has similar regional control rates when compared with node-negative neck SCC. The difference in disease-specific survival between the two groups is also not significant.
Safety and Effectiveness of Prolonged Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4) Infusion for Asthma Exacerbation in Children
Authors: Awlad Thani Saif Sulaiman , Alkhan Atheer Ahmed , Al-Farsi Muzna Yahya , Al Kamzari Ahmed Mohammed
Published: February 2022

The objective of this study was to assess the safety and describe treatment details of prolonged magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) infusion for children with asthma exacerbation. A retrospective cross-sectional study included children under 13 years of age who were admitted with asthma exacerbation and received at least 24 hours of MgSO4 infusion. One hundred children were included. No patients developed serious adverse events. The mean infusion duration was 74.2 hours. Eighty-nine percent recovered with no other bronchodilator infusions, and 94% did not require respiratory support escalation. Prolonged MgSO4 infusion is safe at a maximum dose of 30 mg/kg/h and may be beneficial for children with asthma exacerbation.
Evaluation of Recurrence and Hearing Outcome for Inactive Squamosal Disease after Cartilage Strengthening Tympanoplasty
Authors: Gupta Priyanshi , Rawat Digvijay Singh , Aseri Yogesh , Verma P. C. , Singh B. K.
Published: February 2022

Introduction Inactive squamosal disease is unique for having a conflicting treatment protocol, with an age-old debate between early surgical intervention or keeping patients in a long-term follow-up. The shifting paradigm is early intervention to prevent further progress into active disease and improve hearing outcome in its nascent stage.

Objective To evaluate recurrence and hearing outcome in cases of inactive squamosal disease after cartilage strengthening tympanoplasty.

Methods The study was conducted on 50 patients with inactive squamosal disease. Detailed examination was done to grade the retraction. All patients underwent autologous conchal cartilage tympanomastoidectomy with temporalis fascia grafting. Recurrence and hearing evaluations were done by pure tone audiogram at regular intervals for one year.

Results Hearing loss was the most common presenting symptom. Isolated pars tensa retractions were more common (54%) than pars flaccida (12%), or those involving both (34%). Ossicular status was normal in only 14% of the cases, and the most common ossicular damage was to the lenticular process of the incus (52%). Three of the patients (6%) had residual perforation at the 3rd month of follow-up. Subjective improvement in hearing was reported by 42% patients. Hearing improvement greater than 10 dB was found in 24 patients (48%). Air–bone gap reduced from 25.16 ± 8.15 dB preoperatively to 12.90 ± 6.20 at 1 year of follow-up. Recurrence was seen in three patients (6%).

Conclusion Early intervention by cartilage strengthening of weakened tympanic membrane and ossicular reconstruction not only offers better hearing results, but also prevents progress to active disease.