bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipidome Analysis in Brain and Peripheral Plasma Following Milk Fat Globule Membrane Supplementation in Rodents
Authors: Davies Rosalind , van Diepen Janna A. , Brink Lauren R. , Bijlsma Sabina , Neufeld Karen‐Anne McVey , Cryan John F. , O'Mahony Siobhain M. , Bobeldijk Ivana , Gross Gabriele
Published: September 2022

Scope

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is an essential component of milk. Bovine MFGM (bMFGM) has been shown to support cognitive development and increase relative concentrations of serum phospholipids. This study investigates bioavailability of bMFGM components after oral administration in two preclinical models to explore whether dietary bMFGM induces parallel changes to plasma and brain lipidomes.

Methods and results

Transgenic APOE*3.Leiden mice (n = 18 per group) and Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 12 per group) are fed bMFGM‐enriched (MFGM+) or Control diet, followed by phospholipid profile‐determination in plasma, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex tissue by targeted mass spectrometry. Multivariate analysis of lipidomic profiles demonstrates a separation between MFGM+ and Control plasma across rodents. In plasma, sphingomyelins contributed the most to the separation of lipid patterns among both models, where three sphingomyelins (d18:1/14:0, d18:1/23:0, d18:1/23:1[9Z]) are consistently higher in the circulation of MFGM+ groups. A similar trend is observed in rat prefrontal cortex, although no significant separation of the brain lipidome is demonstrated.

Conclusion

bMFGM‐enriched diet alters plasma phospholipid composition in rodents, predominantly increasing sphingomyelin levels in the systemic circulation with similar, but non‐significant, trends in central brain regions. These changes may contribute to the beneficial effects of bMFGM on neurodevelopment during early life.
Assessing the outcomes of parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PTENS) in the treatment of enuresis in children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Toale James , Kelly Gabrielle , Hajduk Piotr , Cascio Salvatore
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a common pathology in children that can have significant behavioral, emotional, and social impacts on a child's life. Recent studies have assessed PTENS as a potential treatment method for NE, particularly in those who do not respond to initial first‐line treatments. Literature has shown varying results with regard to its success. There has been no systematic review and meta‐analysis to date assessing outcomes following this treatment.

Objectives

Despite multiple studies showing the potential benefits of PTENS in NE, there has been no consensus regarding its efficacy. The aim of this study was to systematically analyze the effects of PTENS on children with NE.

Study Design

In September 2021, a search of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library was carried out for studies relating to outcomes following PTENS in children with NE. Studies included were original publication English language randomized controlled trial (RCT's) with at least ten children receiving parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PTENS). After assessing for relevant studies, data were collated and analyzed from the included studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane seven domain assessment. Our primary outcome was response and nonresponse to treatment. These results were combined in a fixed effects meta‐analysis model to obtain an overall estimate of the success rate. Information regarding demographics was also collected. There was no external funding for this review.

Results

Of 145 studies found initially, four RCT's (208 children) were included. The weighted mean rate of full response to active PTENS was 10.8% (0%−19%). All studies considered, meta‐analysis showed no difference between PTENS and controls (RR: 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI: 0.37−1.32]). Subgroup analysis of monosymptomatic enuresis showed no effect of PTENS compared to controls (RR = 0.58, 95% CI: [0.24−1.42]). When grouped, studies comparing PTENS to sham/behavioral treatment showed no benefit compared to controls (RR = 0.81, 95% CI: [0.05−12.53]) and those comparing PTENS to biofeedback/interferential current (IFC) showed no difference to controls (RR = 0.69, 95% CI: [0.36−1.33]). There was no evidence of a difference between cases and controls between these latter subgroups (RR = 0.70, 95% CI: [0.37−1.32]).

Discussion/Conclusion

Our results suggest that PTENS has no clear benefit in the management of children with NE compared to controls. Subgroup analysis showed that its use in monosymptomatic NE has no clear advantage. However, this review has highlighted the need for further high quality studies. Limitations to this review included a relatively small sample size and the use of prior or concomitant therapies.
Controllability of nonlinear Hilfer fractional Langevin dynamical system
Authors: Radhakrishnan Bheeman , Sathya Thangavel
Published: September 2022

The main objective of this article is to prove the controllability result of a nonlinear Hilfer fractional Langevin dynamical system in an abstract‐weighted space. This paper initiates with the persistence of the control formula for the Hilfer fractional Langevin dynamical system. Furthermore, As ensue is extended to the controllability result of Hilfer fractional Langevin dynamical system by the use of Krasnoselskii fixed point theorem. Ultimately, an example is furnished to demonstrate our outcomes.
How we approach complex vascular anomalies and overgrowth syndromes
Authors: Watson Katherine D. , Kim Kyung R. , Blatt Julie
Published: September 2022

Vascular anomalies, both vascular tumors and vascular malformations, can occur in isolation or as part of syndromes including those which feature phenotypic overgrowth. To update what is known about vascular anomalies associated with overgrowth, PubMed was searched for “overgrowth syndromes and vascular anomalies or malformations.” PubMed, OMIM, and the Rare Disease Database also were searched for specific diagnoses. We review individual overgrowth syndromes, provide a case‐based approach to the clinical, radiographic, pathologic, and genetic basis for diagnosis, to complications of both the vascular anomalies and the overgrowth, and emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach to care.
Large‐scale top‐down proteomics of the Arabidopsis thaliana leaf and chloroplast proteomes
Authors: Wang Qianjie , Sun Liangliang , Lundquist Peter Knut
Published: September 2022

We present a large‐scale top‐down proteomics (TDP) study of plant leaf and chloroplast proteins, achieving the identification of over 4700 unique proteoforms. Using capillary zone electrophoresis coupled with tandem mass spectrometry analysis of offline size‐exclusion chromatography fractions, we identify 3198 proteoforms for total leaf and 1836 proteoforms for chloroplast, with 1024 and 363 proteoforms having post‐translational modifications, respectively. The electrophoretic mobility prediction of capillary zone electrophoresis allowed us to validate post‐translational modifications that impact the charge state such as acetylation and phosphorylation. Identified modifications included Trp (di)oxidation events on six chloroplast proteins that may represent novel targets of singlet oxygen sensing. Furthermore, our TDP data provides direct experimental evidence of the N‐ and C‐terminal residues of numerous mature proteoforms from chloroplast, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and other sub‐cellular localizations. With this information, we suggest true transit peptide cleavage sites and correct sub‐cellular localization signal predictions. This large‐scale analysis illustrates the power of top‐down proteoform identification of post‐translational modifications and intact sequences that can benefit our understanding of both the structure and function of hundreds of plant proteins.
Clinical outcomes of pulmonary agenesis: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Fukuoka Shoji , Yamamura Kenichiro , Nagata Hazumu , Toyomura Daisuke , Nagatomo Yusaku , Eguchi Yoshimi , Uike Kiyoshi , Hirata Yuichiro , Inoue Hirosuke , Ochiai Masayuki , Ohga Shouichi
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Pulmonary agenesis is a complete absence of the pulmonary parenchyma, airways, and vasculature unilaterally or bilaterally. Although bilateral cases are lethal, the outcome of unilateral cases remains not well described. We performed a comprehensive literature review to assess the clinical features of pulmonary agenesis.

Methods

Four database sources were searched on October 10, 2021 and two cases were included from our institution. Studies related to the clinical impact of comorbidity and intervention on the survival outcome in pulmonary agenesis were included for full‐text review.

Results

We identified 259 patients—with right‐sided (59%), left‐sided (34%), and bilateral agenesis (7%)—among 195 articles and our two cases. Additional anomalies included cardiovascular (40%), skeletal (30%), gastrointestinal (20%), tracheal (20%: all stenoses), and genitourinary (14%) anomalies. Fifty‐seven (24%) individuals in unilateral pulmonary agenesis had isolated disease. Outcomes related to survival were not uniformly reported, but the 2‐year overall survival rate of unilateral agenesis was 62% and no subsequent death was reported until 13 years of age. The right‐sided agenesis was more frequently associated with tracheal stenosis (27% vs. 11%, p = 0.003) than the left‐sided disease. A multivariable analysis indicated that tracheal stenosis (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3–4.1, p = 0.003) and gastrointestinal anomalies (HR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1–3.3, p = 0.010) were prognostic factors for mortality.

Conclusions

The poor prognostic factors were tracheal stenosis, right agenesis, and gastrointestinal anomalies. Treatment for these comorbidities is a key point for improving the survival of unilateral pulmonary agenesis.
Four‐mode Squeezed States in de Sitter Space: A Study With Two Field Interacting Quantum System
Authors: Choudhury Sayantan , Panda Sudhakar , Pandey Nilesh , Roy Abhishek
Published: September 2022

In this paper we study the application of four‐mode squeezed states in the cosmological context, studying two weakly coupled scalar fields in the planar patch of the de Sitter space. We construct the four‐mode squeezed state formalism and connect this concept with the Hamiltonian of the two coupled inverted harmonic oscillators having a time‐dependent effective frequency in the planar patch of the de Sitter space. Further, the corresponding evolution operator for the quantum Euclidean vacuum state has been constructed, which captures its dynamics. Using the Heisenberg picture coupled differential equations describing the time evolution for all squeezing parameters (amplitude, phase and angle) have been obtained, for the weakly coupled two scalar field model. With the help of these evolutions for the coupled system, we simulate the dynamics of the squeezing parameters in terms of conformal time. From our analysis, we observe interesting dynamics, which helps us to explore various underlying physical implications of the weakly coupled two scalar field system in the planar patch of the de Sitter cosmological background.
Long‐Term Field Screening by Mobile Ions in Thick Metal Halide Perovskites: Understanding Saturation Currents
Authors: Almora Osbel , Miravet Daniel , Gelmetti Ilario , Garcia-Belmonte Germà
Published: September 2022

Metal halide perovskite‐based semiconductor devices with micrometer‐to‐millimeter‐thick perovskite layers show a current response upon polarization which evolves up to several hours, transiting several regimes. This is the case of X‐ray detectors where the use of absorber perovskites produces instabilities in the dark reverse saturation current hindering the signal processing. Even though these phenomena are often attributed to the electronic–ionic conductivity and the interface phenomena in these perovskites, a proper theoretical description is missing. Herein, the numerical simulation study reproduces the main experimental trends and explains the origin of some of the apparently‐always‐increasing current transients in thick perovskite samples. The mobile ion concentration and mobility are correlated with three main transport regimes and interpretation and parameterization are provided to the current saturation time in terms of the ionic screening of the electric field toward the interfaces. The final steady‐state under reverse polarization is found as diffusion‐limited electronic current, which results from abrupt mobile ion depletion proportional to the Debye length in the vicinity of a contact. The conclusions suggest the material optimization of the contact interfaces as a pathway to reduce the long current saturation times in these devices.
Characterization of motion power loss of off‐road wheeled robot in a slippery terrain
Authors: Shafaei Seyed Mojtaba , Mousazadeh Hossein
Published: September 2022

For the first time in realm of power study of off‐road wheeled robots, this study deals with motion power loss due to slippage of robot wheels traversed on slippery terrain. For this purpose, effects of slippery terrain type (solid balls with diameter of 0.0127, 0.0254, and 0.0508 m), tire air pressure (20.68, 34.47, and 55.16 kPa), and robot forward speed (0.17, 0.33, and 0.5 m/s) on the power loss were characterized. Derived results proved that the increasing effect of slippery terrain type on the power loss was dominant (1.08 and 3.21 times) than that of robot forward speed and tire air pressure, respectively. Meanwhile, the increasing effect of robot forward speed on the power loss was prevailed (2.98 times) than that of tire air pressure. Hence, to minimize the power loss of the robot traversed on each type of slippery terrain, adjustment of robot forward speed should be considered as first priority. A comparison between motion power loss (43.60–249.40 W) and provided motion power for the robot (136–436.37 W) implies that 12.93–75.44% of provided motion power was wasted by slippage of the robot wheels on slippery terrains. Overall, the analytical results obtained in this study lead to open a new prospection for comprehending of the power loss trends of off‐road wheeled robots traversed on slippery terrains. As slippery terrain composed of solid balls, the results can be especially utilized for final phase of unloading robotic operations of catalyst handling procedure in process towers and reactors of oil, gas, petrochemical, and chemical industries.
XPS investigation of 5N purity Al thin foils for MEMS devices
Authors: Bolli Eleonora , Kaciulis Saulius , Mezzi Alessio , Montanari Roberto , Varone Alessandra
Published: September 2022

Thin Al foils are promising materials for applications in devices of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). In this work, three foils of high purity (5N) Al with different thickness (10, 50, and 125 μm) were analyzed by means of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), before and after annealing (720 K for 30 min). XPS surface analysis and depth profiling of chemical composition were performed to investigate the distribution of Al oxide. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) measurements were also carried out in order to identify the plasmon losses and chemical state of Al. The loss peaks in the 5N‐Al thin foils were compared with those of an Al foil of commercial purity (99.95 wt%). The thickness of the oxide layer on the sample surface of all the samples is not constant and oxide is thicker in the samples of high purity than in those of commercial quality. Moreover, the thinnest foils of 5N‐Al (10 μm) exhibit the thinnest oxide layer. These findings have been discussed by considering the size effect, that is, mechanical properties of thin foils are improving as the thickness decreases. The complex morphology of the metal‐oxide interface may contribute to enhance the mechanical performances of Al foils with a thickness below ~50 μm, because the free dislocations pile up against the interface which represents an obstacle for their motion hindering plastic deformation. Obtained results suggest that Al foils to be used in MEMS devices should be of high purity and annealed to get a surface completely covered by the oxide layer.
Prediction of the Lotus Effect on Solid Surfaces by Machine Learning
Authors: He Xiao , Zhang Kaihua , Xiong Xianghui , Li Yuepeng , Wan Xizi , Chen Zijia , Wang Yixuan , Xu Xuetao , Liu Mingqian , Jiang Ying , Wang Shutao
Published: September 2022

Superhydrophobic surfaces with the “lotus effect” have wide applications in daily life and industry, such as self‐cleaning, anti‐freezing, and anti‐corrosion. However, it is difficult to reliably predict whether a designed superhydrophobic surface has the “lotus effect” by traditional theoretical models due to complex surface topographies. Here, a reliable machine learning (ML) model to accurately predict the “lotus effect” of solid surfaces by designing a set of descriptors about nano‐scale roughness and micro‐scale topographies in addition to the surface hydrophobic modification is demonstrated. Geometrical and mathematical descriptors combined with gray level cooccurrence matrices (GLCM) offer a feasible solution to the puzzle of accurate descriptions of complex topographies. Furthermore, the “black box” is opened by feature importance and Shapley‐additive‐explanations (SHAP) analysis to extract waterdrop adhesion trends on superhydrophobic surfaces. The accurate prediction on as‐fabricated superhydrophobic surfaces strongly affirms the extensionality of the ML model. This approach can be easily generalized to screen solid surfaces with other properties.
Emerging Heterogeneous Supports for Efficient Electrocatalysis
Authors: Fan Meihong , Cui Lili , He Xingquan , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: September 2022

Electrocatalysis plays a fundamental role in many fields, such as metallurgy, medicine, chemical industry, and energy conversion. Anchoring active electrocatalysts with controllable loading and uniform dispersion onto suitable supports has become an attractive topic. This is because the supports can not only have the potential to improve catalytic activity and stability through the interaction between support and catalytic center, but also can reduce precious metal consumption by improving atomic utilization. Herein, recent theoretical and experimental progresses concerning the development of supports to anchor electrocatalytic materials are first reviewed. Next, their controllable syntheses, characterization techniques, metal‐support electronic interactions, and structure‐performance relationships are presented. Some representative carbon supports and non‐carbonaceous supports, as well as recently reported star supports such as 2D supports, single atom catalysts, and self‐supported catalysts are also summarized. In addition, the significant role of support in stabilizing and regulating catalytic active sites is particularly emphasized. Finally, challenges, opportunities, key problems, and further promising solutions for supported catalysts are proposed.
Photovoltaic Potential of the Dutch Inland Shipping Fleet: An Experimentally Validated Method to Simulate the Power Series from Vessel‐Integrated Photovoltaics
Authors: de Jong Dora , Ziar Hesan
Published: September 2022

The surface of the vessels, as moving tiny islands, can be utilized to implement vehicle‐integrated photovoltaics (VIPV). Herein, a methodology is reported to calculate the power generated by a fleet of urban vessels as a function of time. Then, the result is shown for the largest European shipping fleet, using sailing data of 2746 Dutch general cargo vessels. Results show that the studied fleet can produce ≈ 226 GWh of energy per year, which corresponds to ≈ 6.5% of the whole fleet's energy demand. Next, this research validates the model with three week experimental data gathered by a test vessel sailing through the Netherlands. The validation phase reveals that the model can predict within a 4% error range. Finally, as an interesting finding, it is experimentally shown that the energy production profile of a fleet of urban vessels follows a Weibull distribution, quantified by scale (λ) and shape (k) parameters: λ = 880 Wh Wp−1 and k = 27 for the Dutch fleet. A sensitivity analysis shows that the parameters of the Weibull distribution are a function of urban fabric roughness and the climate. Such probability distribution can be extended to other urban fleets, such as solar cars, and help estimate the financial feasibility of integrating PV into vehicles.
Magnetic porous carbon derived from NH2‐MIL‐101(Fe) as an adsorbent for the magnetic solid‐phase extraction of anthraquinones
Authors: Zhou Xi , Chen Guo‐Ying , Yin Shi‐Jun , Chen Lin‐Xiao , Gao Peng , Xiao Shang‐You , Yang Feng‐Qing
Published: September 2022

A magnetic porous carbon NH2‐MIL‐101‐C was synthesized through a one‐step carbonization process using NH2‐MIL‐101(Fe) as the precursor. The morphology, structure, magnetic behavior, and porosity of the as‐prepared NH2‐MIL‐101‐C were characterized. The results show that NH2‐MIL‐101‐C has a high Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area (213.7 m2/g), a large pore volume (0.2 m3/g), and a good magnetic property (23.4 emu/g). The NH2‐MIL‐101‐C was first used as a magnetic solid‐phase extraction adsorbent for the extraction of five anthraquinones from rhubarb. The main parameters that will affect the extraction efficiency were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, good linearity for the five anthraquinones was obtained with the R2 higher than 0.9910. The limits of detection and limits of quantitation for the analytes are 0.018−0.042 and 0.050−0.140 μg/mL, respectively.
Evaluating simplified macromodeling approaches of simulating infilled reinforced concrete frames with openings
Authors: Kareem Kamaran Mohammed , Ahani Elshan , Panto Bartolomeo
Published: September 2022

Simulating the contribution of masonry infills on the reaction of reinforced concrete (RC) frames have been the concentration point of numerous numerical studies. However, the effects of openings are often neglected by technical codes, which may lead to sensible errors in predicting the seismic behavior of masonry infilled frames. In this study, the simplified macromodeling approaches of equivalent diagonal strut model (EDSM) and two‐dimensional discrete macroelement model (DMEM) compared to a finite element model (FEM) and the influence of the modeling approach on the lateral response of infilled frames, with different percentages of openings, was investigated. A nonlinear static pushover analysis for conveying the terms of the monotonic loading procedure of the benchmark experimental program has been employed. Concerning the results, the stiffness of the masonry infilled frames by increasing the amount of opening was decreasing. The outcomes of this study may increase the knowledge of comparing the possible methods for modeling masonry infilled frames with openings.
Synthesis and Properties of Electron‐Deficient and Electron‐Rich Redox‐Active Ionic π‐Systems
Authors: Chorol Sonam , Saini Poonam , Mukhopadhyay(s) Pritam
Published: September 2022

There is growing interest towards the design and synthesis of organic redox‐active systems, which exist in ionic form. Multi‐ redox systems entail life‐sustaining processes like photosynthesis and cellular respiration. The significant challenge for material scientists is to rationally design complex molecular materials that can store and transfer multiple electrons at low operational potentials and are stable under ambient conditions. Also, important are the designed ionic π‐systems that combine efficient electron and ion transport. Here, we discuss the synthesis of ionic π‐systems which exist in the closed‐shell form. Firstly, different classes of ionic arylenediimides and viologens with different π‐linkers are discussed from the synthetic, structural and redox perspective. These ionic π‐systems are based on the electron deficient π‐scaffolds, and are shown to accumulate upto six electrons. We then discuss electron‐rich ionic arylenediimides which can exist in anionic form or zwitterionic form. The anionic electron donors have absorption extending to the near Infrared (NIR) region and can be stabilized in aqueous solution. We also discuss the effect of the electron accumulation on the aromaticity and non‐aromaticity of the naphthalene and the imide rings of the naphthalenediimides. We finally discuss in brief, the applications related to the organic mixed ionic‐electronic conductors.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the yaw moment of a downwind coned wind turbine rotor
Authors: Schulz Christian W. , Wang Keqi , Wieczorek Klaus , Netzband Stefan , Abdel‐Maksoud Moustafa
Published: September 2022

The yaw moment of wind turbine rotors has never been in the focus of wind turbine aerodynamics. With the increasing activities in the development of support structures for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWT), which passively align with the wind, the interest has shifted, as an accurate determination of the yaw moment is a crucial issue for a successful design of such power plants. A downwind coned rotor is a promising option to increase the yaw moment and therefore the self‐alignment capability of a passively yawing FOWT. Unfortunately, experimental and numerical studies on the estimation of the yaw moment of wind turbine rotors are rare. This is especially the case for downwind coned rotors. The aim of the present work is to provide reliable knowledge in this field. For this purpose, an extensive experimental and numerical study is carried out to determine the yaw moment of a downwind coned rotor. The results obtained from measurements in the wind tunnel are compared to those of simulations using a high fidelity RANS method and a blade element momentum theory (BEMT) method. BEMT is widely applied and can be considered as state of the art for predicting aerodynamic loads on FOWTs. However, the basic assumptions of BEMT do not account for a realistic influence of the skewed wake, so that the application of a correction method is necessary. In this work, the frequently used wake skew correction method based on Pitt and Peters is utilised and its influence on the calculation of the yaw moment is investigated. It is shown that this correction method yields a significant overprediction of the yaw moment in comparison to the measurements and consequently even impairs the quality of the simulation in this case. In contrast to this, the wake‐resolving RANS method is capable of reproducing the measurements with reasonable accuracy and provides valuable insight into the role of the lateral force for the measurement of the yaw moment.
A Compass Is Sufficient
Authors: Ben-Ari Mordechai
Published: September 2022

In 1797 Lorenzo Mascheroni proved that any construction carried out with a straightedge and compass can be carried out with only a compass. Later it came to light that this theorem had already been proved by Georg Mohr in 1672. After explaining in Sect. 13.1 what is meant by performing a construction with only a compass, the proof is presented in stages starting with four auxiliary constructions: reflection of a point (Sect. 13.2), construction of a circle with a given radius (Sect. 13.3), addition and subtraction of line segments (Sect. 13.4) and construction of a line segment as a ratio of segments (Sect. 13.5). Section 13.6 shows how to find the intersection of two lines and Sect. 13.7 shows how to find the intersection of a line and a circle.
A Straightedge and One Circle is Sufficient
Authors: Ben-Ari Mordechai
Published: September 2022

Can every construction with a straightedge and compass be done with only a straightedge? The answer is no because lines are defined by linear equations and cannot represent circles which are defined by quadratic equations.
The Five-Color Theorem
Authors: Ben-Ari Mordechai
Published: September 2022

Maps use colors to distinguish one region from another by ensuring that adjacent regions are colored with different colors. In 1852 Francis Guthrie noticed that a map of the counties of England could be colored using only four countries. The claim that four countries suffice to color any planar map is called the four-color theorem and was only proved in 1976 by Kenneth Appel andWolfgang Haken. They used sophisticated mathematical arguments to show that if there is a counterexample (a map needing more than four colors), it had to be associated with one of 1834 configurations. They then used a computer to check these configurations.
How to Guard a Museum
Authors: Ben-Ari Mordechai
Published: September 2022

In 1973 Victor Klee asked how many guards are need to observe all the walls of a museum? If the walls form a regular polygon or even a convex polygon, one guard is sufficient (Fig. 5.1).
Developing Digital Literacy for Teaching and Learning
Authors: Marín Victoria I. , Castañeda Linda
Published: September 2022

Digital literacy is a critical competence for empowering citizenship in a digital world. It has become a key element in teaching and learning across the different educational stages that has been addressed since the last decade of the twentieth century within the field of open, distance, and digital education. The literature so far has not agreed on a common definition, but multiple international, national, and even local, frameworks exist to foster digital literacy and to evaluate and certificate it, especially with a focus on educators and students in different educational levels, but also with the citizen perspective. These frameworks are reviewed in this chapter, along with the evolution and conceptualization of digital literacy and some strategies to foster digital literacy in different educational sectors, with a focus on the educator as a key player in this fostering action. The most remarkable challenges for developing digital literacy for teaching and learning include the same conception of digital literacy, which is multiple and situated, the digital divide and the actual consideration of digital literacy as a social practice. Being digital literacy a transversal competency nowadays, clear implications for education can be drawn, such as reshaping organizations to the digital conditions, thinking on digital literacy as a collective effort, and enriching the global discourse through diversity in debates.
Safety and Efficacy of Carotid Artery Stenting with the CGuard Double-layer Stent in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Klail Tomas , Kurmann Christoph , Kaesmacher Johannes , Mujanovic Adnan , Piechowiak Eike I. , Dobrocky Tomas , Pilgram-Pastor Sara , Scutelnic Adrian , Heldner Mirjam R. , Gralla Jan , Mordasini Pasquale
Published: September 2022

Background

Double-layer stents show promising results in preventing periinterventional and postinterventional embolic events in elective settings of carotid artery stenting (CAS). We report a single-center experience with the CGuard stent in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis or occlusion with or without intracranial occlusion.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all patients who received a CGuard stent in the setting of AIS at our institution. Neuroimaging and clinical data were analyzed with the following primary endpoints: technical feasibility, acute and delayed stent occlusion or thrombosis, distal embolism, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and functional outcome at 3 months.

Results

In 33 patients, stenting with the CGuard was performed. Stent deployment was successful in all patients (28 with tandem occlusions, 5 with isolated ICA occlusion). Transient acute in-stent thrombus formation occurred in three patients (9%) without early stent occlusion. Delayed, asymptomatic stent occlusion was seen in 1 patient (3%) after 49 days. Asymptomatic periinterventional distal emboli occurred in 2 patients (6%), 1 patient experienced a transient ischemic attack 79 days after the procedure and 1 patient (3%) developed sICH. Favorable clinical outcome (mRS 0–2) at 3 months was achieved in 12 patients (36%) and the mortality rate was 24%.

Conclusion

The CGuard use in emergencies was technically feasible, the safety has to be confirmed by further multicentric studies.
Accelerated weathering of Compreg with phenol-formaldehyde resin treated top veneers of European white oak (Quercus ssp., L.) and teak (Tectonia grandis, L.F.)
Authors: Passauer Lars , Schubert Jürgen
Published: September 2022

The weather resistance of Compreg surfaces depends on various factors, such as top veneer type, impregnating resin, and protective topcoats. Artificial weathering tests were performed for the first time on material types with oak and teak top veneer surfaces. Both showed strong surface brightening due to resin degradation and subsequent photobleaching of the exposed veneer surface. Directly pressed, phenolic resin-impregnated cellulose paper overlays caused significant surface stabilization.
Multi-objective optimization of reinforced concrete cantilever retaining wall: a comparative study
Authors: Kashani Ali R. , Gandomi Amir H. , Azizi Koorosh , Camp Charles V.
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates the performance of four multi-objective optimization algorithms, namely non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II), multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO), strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm II (SPEA2), and multi-objective multi-verse optimization (MVO), in developing an optimal reinforced concrete cantilever (RCC) retaining wall. The retaining wall design was based on two major requirements: geotechnical stability and structural strength. Optimality criteria were defined as reducing the total cost, weight, CO2emission, etc. In this study, two sets of bi-objective strategies were considered: (1) minimum cost and maximum factor of safety, and (2) minimum weight and maximum factor of safety. The proposed method's efficiency was examined using two numerical retaining wall design examples, one with a base shear key and one without a base shear key. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on the variation of significant parameters, including backfill slope, the base soil’s friction angle, and surcharge load. Three well-known coverage set measures, diversity, and hypervolume were selected to compare the algorithms’ results, which were further assessed using basic statistical measures (i.e., min, max, standard deviation) and the Friedman test with a 95% level of confidence. The results demonstrated that NSGA-II has a higher Friedman rank in terms of coverage set for both cost-based and weight-based designs. SPEA2 and MOPSO outperformed both cost-based and weight-based solutions in terms of diversity in examples without and with the effects of a base shear key, respectively. However, based on the hypervolume measure, NSGA-II and MVO have a higher Friedman rank for examples without and with the effects of a base shear key, respectively, for both the cost-based and weight-based designs.
$$H^2$$-regularity for a two-dimensional transmission problem with geometric constraint
Authors: Laurençot Philippe , Walker Christoph
Published: September 2022

The $$H^2$$

H
2

-regularity of variational solutions to a two-dimensional transmission problem with geometric constraint is investigated, in particular when part of the interface becomes part of the outer boundary of the domain due to the saturation of the geometric constraint. In such a situation, the domain includes some non-Lipschitz subdomains with cusp points, but it is shown that this feature does not lead to a regularity breakdown. Moreover, continuous dependence of the solutions with respect to the domain is established.
Benefits of active listening during 3D sound localization
Authors: Gaveau V. , Coudert A. , Salemme R. , Koun E. , Desoche C. , Truy E. , Farnè A. , Pavani F.
Published: September 2022

In everyday life, sound localization entails more than just the extraction and processing of auditory cues. When determining sound position in three dimensions, the brain also considers the available visual information (e.g., visual cues to sound position) and resolves perceptual ambiguities through active listening behavior (e.g., spontaneous head movements while listening). Here, we examined to what extent spontaneous head movements improve sound localization in 3D—azimuth, elevation, and depth—by comparing static vs. active listening postures. To this aim, we developed a novel approach to sound localization based on sounds delivered in the environment, brought into alignment thanks to a VR system. Our system proved effective for the delivery of sounds at predetermined and repeatable positions in 3D space, without imposing a physically constrained posture, and with minimal training. In addition, it allowed measuring participant behavior (hand, head and eye position) in real time. We report that active listening improved 3D sound localization, primarily by ameliorating accuracy and variability of responses in azimuth and elevation. The more participants made spontaneous head movements, the better was their 3D sound localization performance. Thus, we provide proof of concept of a novel approach to the study of spatial hearing, with potentials for clinical and industrial applications.
Production of a viral surface protein in Nannochloropsis oceanica for fish vaccination against infectious pancreatic necrosis virus
Authors: Rout Sweta Suman , de Grahl Imke , Yu Xiaohong , Reumann Sigrun
Published: September 2022

Nannochloropsis oceanica is a unicellular oleaginous microalga of emerging biotechnological interest with a sequenced, annotated genome, available transcriptomic and proteomic data, and well-established basic molecular tools for genetic engineering. To establish N. oceanica as a eukaryotic host for recombinant protein synthesis and develop molecular technology for vaccine production, we chose the viral surface protein 2 (VP2) of a pathogenic fish virus that causes infectious pancreatic necrosis as a model vaccine. Upon stable nuclear transformation of N. oceanica strain CCMP1779 with the codon-optimized VP2 gene, a Venus reporter fusion served to evaluate the strength of different endogenous promoters in transformant populations by qPCR and flow cytometry. The highest VP2 yields were achieved for the elongation factor promoter, with enhancer effects by its N-terminal leader sequence. Individual transformants differed in their production capability of reporter-free VP2 by orders of magnitude. When subjecting the best candidates to kinetic analyses of growth and VP2 production in photobioreactors, recombinant protein integrity was maintained until the early stationary growth phase, and a high yield of 4.4% VP2 of total soluble protein was achieved. The maximum yield correlated with multiple integrations of the expression vector into the nuclear genome. The results demonstrate that N. oceanica was successfully engineered to constitute a robust platform for high-level production of a model subunit vaccine. The molecular methodology established here can likely be adapted in a straightforward manner to the production of further vaccines in the same host, allowing their distribution to fish, vertebrates, or humans via a microalgae-containing diet.

Key points

• We engineered N. oceanica for recombinant protein production.

• The antigenic surface protein 2 of IPN virus could indeed be expressed in the host.

• A high yield of 4.4% VP2 of total soluble protein was achieved in N. oceanica.
Fluorophore-conjugated 4-1BB antibody enables early detection of T-cell responses in inflammatory arthritis via NIRF imaging
Authors: Duan Shao , Han Chaozhe , Xia Yifei , Jing Chengwei , Dong Bohan , Zhang Xin , Wang WeiWei , Wang Yu , Zhang Maomao , Li Ping , Chen Weiyu , Xiao Zunyu , Li Chao
Published: September 2022

Purpose

We first developed a 4-1BB-targeted optical probe, named IRDye-680RD-4-1BB mAb (monoclonal antibody), and evaluated its value for the detection of 4-1BB+ activated T cells in vivo as well as the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) mouse model.

Methods

The 4-1BB expression pattern was analysed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The 4-1BB mAb was conjugated with IRDye-680RD NHS ester, and characterized via fluorescence spectrum. A cell-binding assay was also performed to assess the interaction of this probe with activated and naïve murine T cells. Longitudinal near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging of the probe was performed at 6, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after probe administration.

Results

4-1BB expression was highly upregulated during the pathogenesis of RA. Good colocalization was also observed between CD3 and 4-1BB by IF staining and t-SNE (T-distributed stochastic neighbour embedding) analysis, which indicates that 4-1BB was mainly expressed on T cells. Compared to the control group, a significantly higher signal was observed in the right hind paw (RP) of mice with AIA at all time points. The ex vivo biodistribution study results were consistent with the in vivo NIRF imaging results, which validated the accuracy of the region of interest (ROI) measurements. The sensitivity against 100% specificity observed in the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis could distinguish the AIA group from the control group at all time points, indicating the value of IRDye-680RD-4-1BB mAb for RA diagnosis.

Conclusion

We successfully developed a novel optical imaging probe, named IRDye-680RD-4-1BB mAb, for tracking 4-1BB+ activated T cells in vivo, and 4-1BB NIRF imaging is a promising strategy for noninvasively detecting the pathogenesis of RA.
Diagnosing cervical lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma based on third-generation dual-source, dual-energy computed tomography
Authors: Luo Yong-Heng , Mei Xi-Long , Liu Qin-Ru , Jiang Bo , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Ke , Wu Xia , Luo Yong-Mei , Li Ya-Jun
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To investigate the potential of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) parameters in identifying metastatic cervical lymph nodes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients and to explore the relationships between DECT and pathological features.

Methods

Clinical and DECT data were collected from patients who underwent radical resection of OSCC and cervical lymph node dissection between November 2019 and June 2021. Microvascular density was assessed using the Weidner counting method. The electron density (ED) and effective atomic number (Zeff) in non - contrast phase and iodine concentration (IC), normalized IC, slope of the energy spectrum curve (λHU), and dual-energy index (DEI) in parenchymal phase were compared between metastatic and non - metastatic lymph nodes. Student’s t-test, Pearson’s rank correlation, and receiver operating characteristic curves were performed.

Results

The inclusion criteria were met in 399 lymph nodes from 103 patients. Metastatic nodes (n = 158) displayed significantly decreased ED, IC, normalized IC, λHU, and DEI values compared with non-metastatic nodes (n = 241) (all p < 0.01). Strong correlations were found between IC (r = 0.776), normalized IC (r = 0.779), λHU (r = 0.738), DEI (r = 0.734), and microvascular density. Area under the curve (AUC) for normalized IC performed the highest (0.875) in diagnosing metastatic nodes. When combined with the width of nodes, AUC increased to 0.918.

Conclusion

DECT parameters IC, normalized IC, λHU, and DEI reflect pathologic changes in lymph nodes to a certain extent, and aid for detection of metastatic cervical lymph nodes from OSCC.

Key Points

• Electron density, iodine concentration, normalized iodine concentration, λHU, and dual-energy index values showed significant differences between metastatic and non-metastatic nodes.

• Strong correlations were found between iodine concentration, normalized iodine concentration, slope of the spectral Hounsfield unit curve, dual-energy index, and microvascular density.

• DECT qualitative parameters reflect the pathologic changes in lymph nodes to a certain extent, and aid for the detection of metastatic cervical lymph nodes from oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Sturzprävention bei älteren Menschen durch ergotherapeutische Wohnraumanalyse, -beratung und -anpassung: eine Prozessdarstellung
Authors: Mohr Sara , Müller Christian , Hildebrand Frank , Laubach Markus
Published: September 2022

Sturzgeschehen bei älteren Menschen treten häufig auf und sind mit relevanten kurz- als auch langfristigen Traumafolgen assoziiert. Vor dem Hintergrund der demografischen Entwicklung rücken präventive Maßnahmen zunehmend in den Fokus. Wohnraumanalysen durch ErgotherapeutInnen ermöglichen die Evaluation extrinsischer und verhaltensbasierter Sturzrisikofaktoren. Verhältnisprävention im Sinne der ergotherapeutischen Wohnraumanalyse ist eine wirksame Maßnahme, um Morbidität und Mortalität, einhergehend mit Stürzen bei älteren Menschen, und den steigenden sturzassoziierten Gesundheitskosten vorzubeugen. Ergotherapeutische Wohnraumanalysen und entsprechende Sturzpräventionsmaßnahmen reduzieren Sturzrisiko und Sturzrate bei älteren Menschen mit erhöhtem Sturzrisiko effektiv und sind im Kontext bestehender gesetzlicher Rahmenbedingungen umsetzbar. Ziel dieser Übersichtsarbeit ist es, den optimalen Versorgungsprozess der Wohnraumanalyse, -beratung und -anpassung für sturzgefährdete PatientInnen durch HausärztInnen, OrthopädInnen und ErgotherapeutInnen darzustellen.
Trends among patients with endometriosis over a 7-year period and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: experience from an academic high-level endometriosis centre in Germany
Authors: Keilmann Lucia , Beyer Susanne , Meister Sarah , Jegen Magdalena , Buschmann Christina , Schröder Lennard , Keckstein Simon , Jeschke Udo , Burges Alexander , Mahner Sven , Trillsch Fabian , Kost Bernd , Kolben Thomas
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Endometriosis is known to be an underestimated disease. Lately the awareness of the disease seems to have improved. Aim of this analysis is to provide an overview of the development of treatment of patients diagnosed with endometriosis. This includes a special scope on implications of the COVID-19 pandemic since in multiple settings postponed treatments resulting in negative impact on prognosis were reported.

Materials and methods

We analysed the development of numbers of patients treated for endometriosis in an academic centre within a 7-year period, 01/2015–12/2021, performing a systematic analysis of ICD-10-Codes from our computer system used in clinical routine.

Results

Treatment numbers increased over the past 7 years, i.e., 239 treated cases in 2015 vs. 679 in 2021.

Following restrictions for outpatient evaluation and surgical capacity at our centre, during COVID-19 pandemic the numbers of treated patients were reduced, especially in the first lockdown period (03/22/2020–05/05/2020 vs. same period in 2019: outpatient clinic (9 vs. 36; p < 0.001), patients surgically treated (27 vs. 52; p < 0,001)). The comparison of 2020 to 2019 showed a reduction in April 2020 of − 37% in outpatient department and up to − 90% for surgically treated patients. Comparing to 2019, we found a reduction of surgical interventions in 2020 by − 9% and an increase by 83% in 2021.

Conclusions

Raising numbers of patients treated for endometriosis point to a new awareness for the disease. After the decline during the lockdown period numbers raised again, leading to a delay, but not an omission of treatment. A certified endometriosis centre with established and well-organized structures is required to improve not only treatment results but also quality of life of those affected.