bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limited benefit of additional contrast-enhanced CT to end-of-treatment PET/CT evaluation in patients with follicular lymphoma
Authors: Paone Gaetano , Raditchkova-Sarnelli Mariana , Ruberto-Macchi Teresa , Cuzzocrea Marco , Zucca Emanuele , Ceriani Luca , Giovanella Luca
Published: September 2021

Despite follicular lymphoma (FL) is frequently characterized by a moderate increase of glucose metabolism, PET/CT examinations provides valuable information for staging and response assessment of the disease. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the diagnostic performance of PET/ldCT and PET/ceCT, respectively, in evaluating FL patients at the end of treatment. Fifty FL consecutive patients who underwent end-of-therapy PET/CT with both ldCT and ceCT were analyzed. Two blinded observers independently assessed PET/ldCT and PET/ceCT applying the Deauville score (DS) and Lugano classification criteria. PET imaging obtained after the end-of-treatment (EoT) was classified as showing PET and ce-CT matched response (concordant imaging group, CIG) or PET and ce-CT unmatched response (discordant imaging group, DIG). Relapse rate and Event-Free Survival (EFS) were compared between CIG and DIG patients. Overall, no differences in metabolic response classification were observed between PET/ldCT and PET/ceCT. In 13 (26%) patients PET/ceCT identified additional FDG-negative nodal lesions in mesenteric, retroperitoneal and iliac regions. However, in all cases, final DS remained unchanged and the additional results did not modify the following therapeutic decision. Among patients, who obtained complete metabolic response a comparable rate of relapse was registered in DIG 3/13 (23%) and CIG subgroups 5/20 (25%) [p = 0.899]. In all 3 DIG cohort patients who relapsed the recurrent disease involved also, but not exclusively, PET negative lymph nodes detected by ceCT. In overall population metabolic response defined by PET/ldCT predicted EFS [76% (group of patients with metabolic response) vs 35% (group of patients with residual disease), p = 0.0013] significantly better than ceCT-Based response assessment [75% (group of patients with complete response) vs 53% (group of patients with residual disease), p = 0.06]. Our study demonstrates a negligible diagnostic and predictive value of ceCT performed in addition to standard 18FDG PET/ldCT for EoT response evaluation in FLs. PET/ldCT should be performed as first-line imaging procedure, also in patients with prevalent abdominal and pelvic involvement, limiting the acquisition of ceCT in selected cases. This tailored approach would contribute to avoid useless radiation exposure and preserve renal function of patients.
Engineering an efficient and bright split Corynactis californica green fluorescent protein
Authors: Nguyen Hau B. , Terwilliger Thomas C. , Waldo Geoffrey S.
Published: September 2021

Split green fluorescent protein (GFP) has been used in a panoply of cellular biology applications to study protein translocation, monitor protein solubility and aggregation, detect protein–protein interactions, enhance protein crystallization, and even map neuron contacts. Recent work shows the utility of split fluorescent proteins for large scale labeling of proteins in cells using CRISPR, but sets of efficient split fluorescent proteins that do not cross-react are needed for multiplexing experiments. We present a new monomeric split green fluorescent protein (ccGFP) engineered from a tetrameric GFP found in Corynactis californica, a bright red colonial anthozoan similar to sea anemones and scleractinian stony corals. Split ccGFP from C. californica complements up to threefold faster compared to the original Aequorea victoria split GFP and enable multiplexed labeling with existing A. victoria split YFP and CFP.
SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics in Belarus in 2020 revealed by genomic and incidence data analysis
Authors: Nemira Alina , Adeniyi Ayotomiwa Ezekiel , Gasich Elena L. , Bulda Kirill Y. , Valentovich Leonid N. , Krasko Anatoly G. , Glebova Olga , Kirpich Alexander , Skums Pavel
Published: September 2021

Background

Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have been implemented worldwide to curb COVID-19 spread. Belarus is a rare case of a country with a relatively modern healthcare system, where highly limited NPIs have been enacted. Thus, investigation of Belarusian COVID-19 dynamics is essential for the local and global assessment of the impact of NPI strategies.

Methods

We integrate genomic epidemiology and surveillance methods to investigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Belarus in 2020. We utilize phylodynamics, phylogeography, and probabilistic bias inference to study the virus import and export routes, the dynamics of the effective reproduction number, and the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Results

Here we show that the estimated cumulative number of infections by June 2020 exceeds the confirmed case number by a factor of ~4 (95% confidence interval (2; 9)). Intra-country SARS-CoV-2 genomic diversity originates from at least 18 introductions from different regions, with a high proportion of regional transmissions. Phylodynamic analysis indicates a moderate reduction of the effective reproductive number after the introduction of limited NPIs, but its magnitude is lower than for developed countries with large-scale NPIs. On the other hand, the effective reproduction number estimate is comparable with that for the neighboring Ukraine, where NPIs were broader.

Conclusions

The example of Belarus demonstrates how countries with relatively low outward population mobility continue to be integral parts of the global epidemiological environment. Comparison of the effective reproduction number dynamics for Belarus and other countries reveals the effect of different NPI strategies but also emphasizes the role of regional Eastern European sociodemographic factors in the virus spread.
Isotopic trace analysis of water vapor with multipass cavity Raman scattering
Authors: Singh Jaspreet , Muller Andreas
Published: September 2021

Trace isotopologue analysis of evaporated liquid water was carried out using spontaneous Raman scattering. A multimode laser diode receiving feedback from a multipass cavity enabled detection of HDO down to D-H concentration ratios as low as 8 ppm.
A relative quantitation method for measuring DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation using guanine as an internal standard
Authors: Németh Krisztina , Mészáros Katalin , Szabó Borbála , Butz Henriett , Arányi Tamás , Szabó Pál T.
Published: September 2021

A relative LC-MS/MS quantitation method for DNA methylation study, where in situ guanine was used as internal standard.
Enhanced clearing of Candida biofilms on a 3D urothelial cell in vitro model using lysozyme-functionalized fluconazole-loaded shellac nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Anheng , Weldrick Paul J. , Madden Leigh A. , Paunov Vesselin N.
Published: September 2021

We report a novel 3D urothelial clusteroid/fungal biofilm co-culture model for the advanced testing of antifungal nanotechnologies.
Low temperature insights into the crystal and magnetic structure of a neutral radical ferromagnet
Authors: Robertson Craig M. , Winter Stephen M. , Howard Judith A. K. , Probert Michael R. , Oakley Richard T.
Published: September 2021

Contraction of the unit cell of the neutral radical ferromagnet 1a at T = 2 K leads to a decrease in slippage of the radical π-stacks and an increase in axial ferromagnetic exchange interactions.
Electronic structure of the dicationic first row transition metal oxides
Authors: Claveau Emily E. , Miliordos Evangelos
Published: September 2021

Three groups of dicationic transition metal oxides separated by an oxo wall and oxyl wall.
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional bursting
Authors: Klindziuk Alena , Kolomeisky Anatoly B.
Published: September 2021

Microscopic origins of transcriptional bursting phenomena are discussed from the physical–chemical point of view.
Interconversion between a Pd3L2 trigonal prism and a Pd6L8 cube via anion exchange: binding affinity of monoatomic vs. polyatomic anions
Authors: Lee Haeri , Han Jihun , Kim Dongwon , Jung Ok-Sang
Published: September 2021

Systematic interconversion between trigonal prisms [Pd3X6L2] (X− = Cl−, Br− and I−) and cubic cages [Pd6L8]12+(X−)12 (X− = BF4− and CF3SO3−) via anion exchange was established.
Evaluation, optimization, and application of three independent suspect screening workflows for the characterization of PFASs in water
Authors: Jacob Paige , Wang Ri , Ching Casey , Helbling Damian E.
Published: September 2021

We present optimized parameters for three independent suspect screening workflows for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and demonstrate their accuracy, precision, and reproducibility.
An efficient method based on an inhibitor–enzyme complex to screen an active compound against lipase from Toona sinensis
Authors: Wang Yunxiao , Wang Jifeng , Wang Shunxin , Cao Zengyuan , Gu Dongyu , Wang Yi , Tian Jing , Yang Yi
Published: September 2021

As a popular vegetable, Toona sinensis has a wide range of bioactivities including lipase inhibitory activity.
Brazilian passion fruit as a new healthy food: from its composition to health properties and mechanisms of action
Authors: de Araújo Esteves Duarte Isabella , Milenkovic Dragan , Borges Tatiana Karla , de Lacerda de Oliveira Livia , Costa Ana Maria
Published: September 2021

The Brazilian biodiversity is one of the largest in the world, with about 41 000 species cataloged within two global biodiversity hotspots: Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, the Brazilian savannah.
A novel brain–computer interface flexible electrode material with magnetorheological properties
Authors: He Guangwei , Tong Yu , Zhang Chi , Xue Beibei , Dong Xufeng , Xuan Shouhu , Sun Peixin , Qi Min
Published: September 2021

A novel semi-invasive BCI flexible electrode material based on an Fe3O4@GO/P(NIPAM–MAA) hydrogel with magnetic field controlled rheology is developed.
Synthesis and application of methyl itaconate–anthracene adducts in configuration assignment of chiral secondary alcohols by 1H NMR
Authors: Rithchumpon Puracheth , Intakaew Neeranuth , Khamto Nopawit , Yimklan Saranpong , Nimmanpipug Piyarat , Thavornyutikarn Praput , Meepowpan Puttinan
Published: September 2021

Methyl itaconate–anthracene adducts (MIAs) were applied for the absolute configuration determination of chiral secondary alcohols by the 1H NMR technique including DFT calculation and X-ray crystallography.
Facile preparation and characterization of a novel visible-light-responsive Rb2HgI4 nanostructure photocatalyst
Authors: Abkar Elham , Ghanbari Mojgan , Amiri Omid , Salavati-Niasari Masoud
Published: September 2021

In this study, we reported Rb2HgI4 nanostructures as a new and efficient photocatalyst for the first time. We used the solid-state method for the fabrication of this compound at a low temperature.
Antioxidant and anti-aging potential of a peptide formulation (Gal2–Pep) conjugated with gallic acid
Authors: Lee Hoomin , Kim Kwanwoo , Oh Cheolwoo , Park Chi-Hu , Aliya Sheik , Kim Hyoung-Shik , Bajpai Vivek K. , Huh Yun Suk
Published: September 2021

Skin is highly vulnerable to premature aging due to external stress, therefore, in this study, a peptide formulation, (galloyl)2–KTPPTTP (Gal2–Pep) was synthesized by combining TPPTTP peptide, and gallic acid (GA).
Synergism of carbon quantum dots and Au nanoparticles with Bi2MoO6 for activity enhanced photocatalytic oxidative degradation of phenol
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Zhang Zhuangzhuang , Yan Ting , Guo Li , Yang Chunming , Gao Ge , Wang Yu , Fu Feng , Xu Bin , Wang Danjun
Published: September 2021

Carbon quantum dot up-conversion emission and Au plasmon resonance effect synergetically promote the separation and migration of photogenerated electron e−/h+ pairs of Bi2MoO6, achieving efficient ROS for phenol photocatalytic mineralization.
B12X11(H2)−: exploring the limits of isotopologue selectivity of hydrogen adsorption
Authors: Wulf Toshiki , Warneke Jonas , Heine Thomas
Published: September 2021

The extreme H2affinity of B12X11−gives a glimpse of how higher selectivities in adsorptive isotopologue separation may be achieved.
Emerging nanomaterials applied for tackling the COVID-19 cytokine storm
Authors: Yang Xi , You Jia , Wei Yuanfeng , Li Huawei , Gao Ling , Guo Qing , Huang Ying , Gong Changyang , Yi Cheng
Published: September 2021

Emerging nanomaterials applied for tackling the COVID-19-associated cytokine storm. Cur-SLNs, curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles; 25-HC, 25-hydroxycholesterol.
Photothermally responsive Pickering emulsions stabilised by polydopamine nanobowls
Authors: Acter Shahinur , Vidallon Mark Louis P. , King Joshua P. , Teo Boon Mian , Tabor Rico F.
Published: September 2021

In this study, polydopamine mesoporous nanobowls stabilise photothermally responsive oil-in water Pickering emulsions. Prepared emulsions show excellent photothermal efficiency under near-infrared (NIR) illumination, offering potential in NIR triggered drug release.
Aggregation-induced emission from silole-based lumophores embedded in organic–inorganic hybrid hosts
Authors: Lyu Guanpeng , Southern Thomas J. F. , Charles Bethan L. , Roger Maxime , Gerbier Philippe , Clément Sébastien , Evans Rachel C.
Published: September 2021

The incorporation of silole-based lumophores into a photoactive organic–inorganic ureasil host via covalent grafting or physical mixing results in enhanced photoluminescence through aggregation and host–guest energy transfer.
A dithieno[3,2-a:3′,2′-j][5,6,11,12]chrysene diimide based polymer as an electron transport layer for efficient inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Huang Jintao , Ge Congwu , Qin Fei , Zhang Jianwei , Yang Xiaodi , Zou Ye , Zhou Yinhua , Li Wei-Shi , Gao Xike
Published: September 2021

A series of electron-deficient conjugated polymers (P(DTCDI-T), P(DTCDI-2T) and P(DTCDI-3T)) are reported as effective ETLs for inverted PSCs, resulting in a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.88% for P(DTCDI-2T) ETL based devices.
Exploring the mechanism of Danggui Buxue Decoction in regulating atherosclerotic disease network based on integrated pharmacological methods
Authors: Xu Hao , Zhang Tianqing , He Ling , Yuan Mengxia , Yuan Xiao , Wang Shanshan
Published: September 2021

Objective: To explore the mechanism of Danggui Buxue Decoction (DGBXD) in regulating Atherosclerosis (AS) network based on integrated pharmacological methods.

Methods: The active ingredients and targets of DGBXD are obtained from TCMSP database and ETCM. AS-related targets were collected from the Genecards and OMIM databases. The drug–disease protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed by Cytoscape. Meanwhile, it was used to screen out densely interacting regions, namely clusters. Finally, Gene Ontology (GO) annotations are performed on the targets and genes in the cluster to obtain biological processes, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotations are performed on the targets of the PPI network to obtain signaling pathways.

Results: A total of 212 known targets, 265 potential targets and 229 AS genes were obtained. The ‘DGBXD known-AS PPI network’ and ‘DGBXD-AS PPI Network’ were constructed and analyzed. DGBXD can regulate inflammation, platelet activation, endothelial cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, vascular smooth muscle proliferation, angiogenesis, TNF, HIF-1, FoxO signaling pathway, etc. The experimental data showed that compared with the model group, the expressions of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and interleukin (IL)-1β protein and mRNA in the DGBXD group decreased (P<0.05). However, plasma IL-1β, TNF-α, and MCP-1 in the DGBXD group were not significantly different from the model group (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The mechanism of DGBXD in the treatment of AS may be related to the improvement of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the blood vessel wall and the anti-vascular local inflammatory response, which may provide a reference for the study of the mechanism of DGBXD.
Robust control of pantograph‐catenary system: Comparison of 1‐DOF‐based and 2‐DOF‐based control systems
Authors: Yu Pan , Liu Kang‐Zhi , Li Xiaoli , Yokoyama Makoto
Published: September 2021

Compared to control bandwidth, low‐frequency uncertainties or disturbances like step signals can be well rejected by many methods having two‐degree‐of‐freedom (2‐DOF). Due to robustness constraint, technically more challenging is the rejection of medium frequencies, especially for bandwidth‐limited systems. Here, the equivalent‐input‐disturbance (EID) approach is extended to deal with the main medium‐frequency oscillation of a pantograph‐catenary system. First, a general EID estimator is developed with a low‐frequency estimator as a special case. Then, a fair comparison is conducted to clarify the essential differences between the conventional 1‐DOF‐based and the developed 2‐DOF‐based control systems. Furthermore, a robust stability condition is derived for the 2‐DOF‐based closed‐loop control system. A design algorithm together with design guidelines is provided, where the frequency characteristics of the uncertainties are utilized in the parameter design. Finally, simulations are carried out to validate the developed 2‐DOF‐based method for the pantograph‐catenary system in realistic environment.
A novel high torque density six‐phase axial‐flux permanent magnet synchronous motor with 60° phase‐belt toroidal winding configuration
Authors: Si Jikai , Feng Can , Nie Rui , Hu Yihua , Li Yingsheng
Published: September 2021

The three‐phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (three‐phase PMSM) has gained much popularity in many applications due to its various advantages. In addition, due to the good fault tolerance, simple inverter circuit structure and high torque density, the six‐phase PMSM has better prospects than three‐phase PMSM in biomedical devices, electric vehicles and other fields with high reliability requirements. In this study, a six‐phase axial‐flux PMSM inherently without cogging torque is proposed to improve torque density, which equips the 60° phase‐belt toroidal winding (60°TW) and slotless stator core. Based on the same effective volume, permanent magnet material, power grade and the other major motor parameters, two six‐phase PMSMs with 30° phase‐belt toroidal winding (30°TW) and 60°TW are designed, respectively. The armature reaction field, air gap magnetic density, back‐electromotive force, output torque, loss characteristic and torque‐speed characteristic are compared by using three‐dimensional (3D) finite‐element models in detail. Finally, the experimental test is carried out using the prototype of three‐phase PMSM with 120° phase‐belt toroidal winding. The experimental results indirectly verify the feasibility of 60° phase‐belt toroidal winding and correctness of 3D FEM. The 3D FEM analysis results are presented to show that torque density of the proposed six‐phase PMSM with 60°TW is improved in comparison to the six‐phase PMSM with 30°TW. Index Terms—60° phase‐belt toroidal winding, axial flux, six‐phase permanent magnet synchronous motor, torque density
Optimal sizing of a high‐speed flywheel in an electric vehicle using the optimal control theory approach
Authors: Mehraban Abbas , Farjah Ebrahim , Ghanbari Teymoor , Garbuio Lauric
Published: September 2021

This study proposes an approach for finding the optimal size of a high‐speed flywheel in an energy storage system based on battery‐flywheel cooperation, called battery‐flywheel energy storage system (BFESS), supplying an electric vehicle. Considering an energy‐based model for the flywheel and battery, including the losses, the optimal control theory is utilised as a two‐dimensional Pontryagin's minimum principle for solving the problem. The objective function of the flywheel sizing problem includes two terms, in which its maximum interaction with the system from the energy and filtering aspects are taken into consideration by a desirable weighting. While energy interaction is a common task, filtering the fast dynamics of the system such as the harsh conditions for the battery is the key role of the considered lightweight and high‐speed flywheel. A trade‐off between the energy contribution and filtering is made, targetted for the long‐term and short‐term dynamics in the drive cycles, respectively. The proposed methodology is presented in detail using some simple dynamics. Also, the sizing is carried out for the ECE‐15 urban drive cycle, the WLTC class‐3 and FTP‐75 drive cycles. The results confirm that by using the determined optimal size of the flywheel energy storage system (FESS), most of the dynamics could be handled from the filtering and energy interaction aspects.
Road infrared target detection with I‐YOLO
Authors: Sun Mingyuan , Zhang Haochun , Huang Ziliang , Luo Yueqi , Li Yiyi
Published: September 2021

The detection of road infrared targets is essential for autonomous driving. Different from RGB images, the acquisition of infrared images is unaffected by visible light. However, the signal‐to‐noise ratio still presents significant challenges. This study demonstrates an improved infrared target detection model for road infrared target detection. An advanced EfficientNet is incorporated to replace the conventional structure and enhance feature extraction. A Dilated‐Residual U‐Net is also introduced to reduce the noise of infrared images. Meanwhile, the k‐means algorithm and data enhancement are implemented to improve the detection performance. The experimental results show that the mean average precision of the proposed model is observed to be 0.89 for the infrared road dataset with an average detection speed of 10.65 s−1.
UAV‐assisted data dissemination based on network coding in vehicular networks
Authors: Huang Shidong , Huang Chuanhe , Yin Yabo , Wu Dongfang , Ashraf M. Wasim Abbas , Fu Bin
Published: September 2021

Efficient and emergency data dissemination service in vehicular networks (VN) is very important in some situations, such as earthquakes, maritime rescue, and serious traffic accidents. Data loss frequently occurs in the data transition due to the unreliability of the wireless channel and there are no enough available UAVs providing data dissemination service for the large disaster areas. UAV with an adjustable active antenna can be used in light of the situation. However, data dissemination assisted by UAV with the adjustable active antenna needs corresponding effective data dissemination framework. A UAV‐assisted data dissemination method based on network coding is proposed. First, the graph theory to model the state of the data loss of the vehicles is used; the data dissemination problem is transformed as the maximum clique problem of the graph. With the coverage of the directional antenna being limited, a parallel method to find the maximum clique based on the region division is proposed. Lastly, the method's effectiveness is demonstrated by the simulation; the results show that the solution proposed can accelerate the solving process of finding the maximum clique and reduce the number of UAV broadcasts. This manuscript designs a novel scheme for the UAV‐assisted data dissemination in vehicular networks based on network coding. The graph theory is used to model the state of the data loss of the vehicles. With the coverage of the directional antenna being limited, then a parallel method is proposed to find the maximum clique of the graph based on the region division. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by the simulation.
Optimal roundabout control under fully connected and automated vehicle environment
Authors: Danesh Ali , Ma Wanjing , Yu Chunhui , Hao Ruochen , Ma Xiaolong
Published: September 2021

Roundabouts promise potential safety and efficiency benefits in the homogenous environment of conventional vehicles. However, their performance can deteriorate if high and/or imbalanced traffic exists. The advent of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) has provided great opportunities to make transportation infrastructures more efficient. The purpose of this study is to develop a model to optimally control CAVs at roundabouts under a fully CAV environment. A two‐stage optimization model is proposed to optimize vehicle trajectories. At the first stage, a mixed‐integer linear programming model is formulated that optimizes vehicle arrival time at the roundabout. Then the optimal arrival time is fed to the second stage model to optimize vehicle trajectories, which is a non‐linear programming model. CAVs are guaranteed to pass the roundabout safely without stops. Simulation tests are carried out with different demand levels and turning ratios. To evaluate the performance of the proposed model, delay and throughput are compared with a conventional strategy in which the roundabout is controlled by the yielding rules. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to investigate the impact of control zone length and roundabout diameters. The results show the advantages of the proposed model in terms of delay and throughput in both high and imbalanced traffic.
The mass ofβPictoris c fromβPictoris b orbital motion
Authors: Lacour S. , Wang J. J. , Rodet L. , Nowak M. , Shangguan J. , Beust H. , Lagrange A.-M. , Abuter R. , Amorim A. , Asensio-Torres R. , Benisty M. , Berger J.-P. , Blunt S. , Boccaletti A. , Bohn A. , Bolzer M.-L. , Bonnefoy M. , Bonnet H. , Bourdarot G. , Brandner W. , Cantalloube F. , Caselli P. , Charnay B. , Chauvin G. , Choquet E. , Christiaens V. , Clénet Y. , Coudé du Foresto V. , Cridland A. , Dembet R. , Dexter J. , de Zeeuw P. T. , Drescher A. , Duvert G. , Eckart A. , Eisenhauer F. , Gao F. , Garcia P. , Garcia Lopez R. , Gendron E. , Genzel R. , Gillessen S. , Girard J. H. , Haubois X. , Heißel G. , Henning Th. , Hinkley S. , Hippler S. , Horrobin M. , Houllé M. , Hubert Z. , Jocou L. , Kammerer J. , Keppler M. , Kervella P. , Kreidberg L. , Lapeyrère V. , Le Bouquin J.-B. , Léna P. , Lutz D. , Maire A.-L. , Mérand A. , Mollière P. , Monnier J. D. , Mouillet D. , Nasedkin E. , Ott T. , Otten G. P. P. L. , Paladini C. , Paumard T. , Perraut K. , Perrin G. , Pfuhl O. , Rickman E. , Pueyo L. , Rameau J. , Rousset G. , Rustamkulov Z. , Samland M. , Shimizu T. , Sing D. , Stadler J. , Stolker T. , Straub O. , Straubmeier C. , Sturm E. , Tacconi L. J. , van Dishoeck E. F. , Vigan A. , Vincent F. , von Fellenberg S. D. , Ward-Duong K. , Widmann F. , Wieprecht E. , Wiezorrek E. , Woillez J. , Yazici S. , Young A. ,   the GRAVITY Collaboration
Published: September 2021

Aims.We aim to demonstrate that the presence and mass of an exoplanet can now be effectively derived from the astrometry of another exoplanet.

Methods.We combined previous astrometry ofβPictoris b with a new set of observations from the GRAVITY interferometer. The orbital motion ofβPictoris b is fit using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations in Jacobi coordinates. The inner planet,βPictoris c, was also reobserved at a separation of 96 mas, confirming the previous orbital estimations.

Results.From the astrometry of planet b only, we can (i) detect the presence ofβPictoris c and (ii) constrain its mass to 10.04−3.10+4.53MJup. If one adds the astrometry ofβPictoris c, the mass is narrowed down to 9.15−1.06+1.08MJup. The inclusion of radial velocity measurements does not affect the orbital parameters significantly, but it does slightly decrease the mass estimate to 8.89−0.75+0.75MJup. With a semimajor axis of 2.68 ± 0.02 au, a period of 1221 ± 15 days, and an eccentricity of 0.32 ± 0.02, the orbital parameters ofβPictoris c are now constrained as precisely as those ofβPictoris b. The orbital configuration is compatible with a high-order mean-motion resonance (7:1). The impact of the resonance on the planets’ dynamics would then be negligible with respect to the secular perturbations, which might have played an important role in the eccentricity excitation of the outer planet.
Einsatz von vorfrakturierten Präparaten für die Weiterbildung in Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie
Authors: Behrendt Peter , Frosch Karl-Heinz
Published: September 2021

Innovative Kursformate wie die „Lifelike-Fracture-Simulation“, d. h. das Operieren an vorfrakturierten Humanpräparaten mit intaktem Weichteilmantel, bieten enorme Chancen in der Fort- und
Weiterbildung junger Chirurginnen*innen. Dieser Artikel soll innovative Kurskonzepte vorstellen und das Spannungsfeld aus innerklinischer chirurgischer Weiterbildung und externen
Weiterbildungsmöglichkeiten beleuchten. Neben der Schuldung praktischer Fertigkeiten, stehen planerische und interpersonelle Kompetenzen im Fokus der novellierten Weiterbildungsordnung.
Muskuloskelettale Rehabilitation – Struktur und Organisationsformen
Authors: Middeldorf Stefan
Published: September 2021

Rehabilitation ist seit Anbeginn eine wesentliche Stütze und ein wesentlicher Teil des Faches Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie mit dem Ziel, Patienten mit Behinderungen und Fähigkeitsstörungen wieder privat, beruflich und sozial zu integrieren. Ein wesentlicher Teil dieser Rehabilitation ist die Möglichkeit der weiteren therapeutischen Versorgung nach Krankenhausaufenthalten und Operationen.
Comparison of the Thickness of the Fiber Layer of the Retinal Nerves in Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Normal Eyes Older Than 40 Years
Authors: Gündogan Medine , Kiliç Soner
Published: September 2021

Purpose To compare measurements of the thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and assess the agreement between three different devices for spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Material and Methods The RNFL thickness of both eyes of 23 normal subjects older than 40 years was measured using Canon HS100, Topcon Maestro, and NIDEK RS-3000 devices. Both eyes of each subject were scanned in random order. All scans were completed on the same day in the morning. The average and four quadrants (superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal) of RNFL thickness were measured. To determine the differences in RNFL thickness, analysis of variance for repeated measurements was performed. A Bland-Altman plot was plotted, and coefficients of determination were calculated.

Results A total of 46 eyes of 23 subjects were enrolled in this study. The average RNFL thickness as determined by the three OCT devices was correlated (p < 0.001), but differed significantly between the three devices, as most were quadrant measurements. The mean average RNFL thickness was 98.5 ± 6.6 µm as measured by Canon HS100, 108.5 ± 8.8 µm as measured by Topcon Maestro, and 104.9 ± 9.0 µm as measured by NIDEK RS-3000. Topcon Maestro showed the highest average RNFL thickness value. Bland-Altman plots revealed considerable agreement among the three devices, except for the inferior quadrants between Topcon Maestro and NIDEK RS-3000 measurements. All three devices reveal considerable coefficients of determination values for mean RNFL thickness (0.917 – 0.127).

Conclusion Although the peripapillary RNFL thickness measurements taken with Canon HS100, Topcon Maestro, and NIDEK RS-3000 were in good agreement, they were not interchangeable in clinical practice, as the values differed significantly.
Stellenwert der Rehasprechstunden im BG Heilverfahren
Authors: Reimertz Christoph , Rindermann Matthias , Benner Sebastian , Hoffmann Reinhard
Published: September 2021

In Rehasprechstunden stellen Unfallversicherungsträger ihre Patienten zur
Evaluation und Zweitmeinung vor, die auf Grund eines erlittenen Arbeitsunfalls
noch Rehabilitationsdefizite vorweisen oder Leistungen zur Teilhabe an Arbeit
und Gesellschaft erhalten. Diese Sprechstunden sind personell, strukturell und
zeitlich aufwändig und werden in großer Zahl, insbesondere in
Schwerverletztenartenverfahren-Häusern, durchgeführt.

Ziel der Arbeit Eine Befragung des Spitzenverbandes der Deutschen
Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (DGUV) von 2015 bis 2017 zeigt eine
große Zufriedenheit bei Rehaberater, Patient und Arzt über die
durchgeführten interdisziplinären Sprechstunden im
Rehamanagement (23). Ziel dieser Arbeit ist zu überprüfen, ob
die Rehasprechstunden zu einer relevanten Änderung des Heilverfahrens
führen.

Material und Methoden In einer prospektiven Studie erfolgte über
einen Zeitraum von 3 Monaten die Erfassung aller insgesamt 451 Rehasprechstunden
der Berufsgenossenschaftlichen Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main anhand eines
standardisierten Fragenbogens (Abb. 1
2
3
4
5) Die Erstellung der
Fragebögen und die Auswertung erfolgt mithilfe der professionellen
Umfragesoftware EvaSys.

Ergebnisse Die Verletzungsschwere der vorgestellten Patienten nach dem
Verletzungsartenverzeichnis ergab 36% Durchgangsarztverfahren,
45% Verletzungsartenverfahren- und 19%-
Schwerverletztenartenverfahren Fälle. Die Dauer der
Arbeitsunfähigkeit bei Erstvorstellung betrug bei 12%<3
Monate, 39%>3 Monate und bei 49%>6 Monate. Bei
40% der Patienten erfolgte eine Zusatzuntersuchung, auch mittels
Großgeräten (Computertomografiefoder Magnetresonanztherapie). In
29% der Fälle wurden Fallkonferenzen mit zusätzlichen
Spezialisten aus weiteren Fachbereichen durchgeführt. Eine
sozialmedizinische Aufklärung erfolgte in 74% der Fälle.
Bei 57% der Patienten wurde in der Sprechstunde eine Änderung im
Heilverfahren eingeleitet.

Schlussfolgerung Rehasprechstunden sind ein etabliertes Instrument im
Rehamanagement der Unfallversicherungsträger. Sie stellen ein
zusätzliches Sicherheitsnetz für Patienten mit ausbleibender
Arbeitsfähigkeit oder Rehadefiziten nach einem Arbeitsunfall dar. Sie
führen nicht nur zu einer Zufriedenheit der Patienten, sondern
führen, trotz zumeist schon langer Laufzeiten der Heilverfahren, noch zu
einer richtungsweisenden Änderung. Die erfolgte Auswertung zeigt die
Bedeutung der Rehasprechstunden als wichtige Stellschraube und Sicherheitsnetz
der Unfallversicherungsträger im medizinischen Rehamanagement.
Clear Expansion Plate: A Novel Technique
Authors: Behroozian Ahmad
Published: September 2021

Objectives Posterior crossbite is one of the most common orthodontic problems in primary and mixed dentition that induces deleterious and permanent effects on dentition, dentoskeletal structures, and esthetics. Early correction of unilateral and bilateral posterior crossbite is necessary to prevent these problems. Early intervention with removable Schwarz appliance is one of the useful appliances to correct posterior crossbite, but it has its own disadvantages.

Materials and Methods In this article, we have presented a new appliance and method of fabrication to aid the expansion of the maxilla.

Results The presented “clear expansion plate” that is made by thermoplastic sheets maintains all of the positive properties of the Schwarz plate and has several additional advantages.

Conclusion After being tested in clinical trials, traditional expansion plate can be replaced by clear expansion plate.
3D Printing-Assisted Skull Base Tumor Surgeries: An Institutional Experience
Authors: Chopra Sanjeev , Boro Ashim Kumar , Sinha Virendra Deo
Published: September 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in neurosurgery has gained popularity nowadays. Skull base contains many major neurovascular structures in a confined space, along with anatomical variations making surgical approaches to this region challenging. 3D-printed model of skull base tumors consists of the patient's bony skull base, actual tumor dimensions, and surrounding major neurovascular structures. We included a total number of five patients with skull base tumors (one case of planum sphenoidale meningioma, two cases of sellar tumor with suprasellar extension, and two cases of cerebellopontine angle tumor) and 3D-printed tumor model of each of them. These models were used for preoperative simulation and served as very true to life training tool. These help in increasing the efficacy of the surgeon, improves surgical safety and ergonomics. They were also used for patient counselling, educating about the disease, the surgical procedure, and associated risks.
Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness and Knowledge among the Community of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Farran Eyas K. , Waggas Dania S. , Alkhunani Tala A. , Almuwallad Safwan A. , Aljohani Rola A.
Published: September 2021

Objective Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system that can lead to lifelong disabilities. There is a significant increase in the global incidence of the disease. In Saudi Arabia (SA), the western region has the greatest number of MS cases. However, there is a lack of studies and research to assess public knowledge in the region. Thus, we aim to assess the public's knowledge of MS in Jeddah, SA.

Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional study surveying 468 participants from the general population of Jeddah. A validated MS knowledge questionnaire (MSKQ-25) was used.

Results Most participants were female 347 (74.1%) with a mean age of 35.73 ± 14.71 standard deviation (SD). MS was found in 14 (3%) of the participants. The average score of the (MSKQ) was 7.42 SD ± 4.568 versus the average score of people with MS with a mean of 13.92 SD ± 3.33 and a p value > 0.001. No significant variation was found in knowledge between gender and age groups, but there was a significant correlation between the educational level and the knowledge level.

Conclusion The mean knowledge score was below average, which indicates poor knowledge of MS. Since the western region has the highest number of MS cases in SA, the level of understanding needs to increase. This can be improved by conducting educational programs using various types of media.
Effects of Caffeine Consumption on Autologous Full-Thickness Skin Graft Healing in an Animal Model
Authors: Supit Tommy , Susilaningsih Neni , Prasetyo Awal ,   Najatullah
Published: September 2021

Background There exists contradictory evidence that states both the beneficial and deleterious effects of caffeine on wound healing. The general population might unknowingly consume caffeine that negatively affects wound healing. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of daily caffeine consumption on wound healing, specifically full-thickness skin graft (FTSG).

Methods Forty Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into four groups of equal size: control-dose (CD), low-dose (LD), medium-dose (MD), and high-dose (HD) caffeine groups. After autologous FTSG, all subjects in the intervention group were given daily pure caffeine gavage. The FTSG was explanted 7 days posttransplant. The graft viability, secondary contraction, and adherence were evaluated macroscopically, while fibroblast and collagen deposition was analyzed microscopically with hematoxylin eosin stain.

Results The least graft viability (72.8 ± 20.7%, clinical wound assessment scale [CWAS] 2.4), highest secondary contraction (11.4 ± 10.5%), and fibroblast count (331.8 ± 88.6 cells/5 high power fields) were observed in the MD group. More collagen synthesis was observed in subjects who consumed caffeine. The level of secondary contraction, fibroblast count as well as graft viability and collagen synthesis were positively correlated.

Conclusions Daily consumption of caffeine impairs graft viability when given in medium dose and increases collagen synthesis, irrespective of dosage. This study was in experimental rats; the results are not directly translatable to humans.
Subcutaneous Endoscopy in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Swain Bharatendu
Published: September 2021

Background Scar visibility is a major deterrent to patients seeking reconstructive surgery. Endoscopic surgery can address a wide range of problems, from minimizing or concealing scars to improving access and outcomes in certain situations. This case series includes a wide range of reconstructive surgery problems addressed by subcutaneous endoscopic surgery. Having one or more trained assistants is a major deterrent to the performance of endoscopic surgery by the lone practitioner. The single (or two-port technique for muscle harvest) used in most cases simplifies subcutaneous endoscopic surgery.

Methods A single-port endoscopy technique, with a 4-mm, 30-degree side viewing telescope and sheath, optical camera and cold light source, was used. Case records were reviewed for access incisions, procedure abandonment, postoperative pain, complications, and patient satisfaction.

Results A total of 53 endoscopic surgical episodes between 2003 and 2013 were reviewed. Using a single port, most cases were done successfully. The access site was changed peroperatively in one case. Complications included transient nerve palsy in one case, which recovered completely. There was minimal intraoperative bleeding. Postoperative pain was low except in one case and managed with minimal analgesia. Patient satisfaction was high in all cases.

Conclusions Subsurface endoscopy done on a wide range of reconstructive surgery procedures and resulted in minimal scars and high patient satisfaction.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Blueprints on the Oral Manifestation of COVID-19: A Case Report
Authors: Khodavirdipour Amir , Asadimanesh Mahsa , Masoumi Seyed Alireza
Published: September 2021

Nonsegmented positive-sense RNA enveloped RNA severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus can result in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This virus is from β-coronaviridae family of viruses. The common signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include pyrexia, cough, dyspnea, fatigue, myalgia, cephalgia, diarrhea, and nausea. Physicians and dentists around the world could directly link the COVID-19 and oral diseases such as ageusia and anosmia. After time passes, different aspects of symptoms of the diseases have been discovered. Research suggests that the oral cavity is the most vulnerable region for the virus because of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor abundance in the mouth. In this case report (no. of patients = 6), we would like to report significant findings in patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 reported to our clinic during May 2021 complaining about the oral manifestation of it such as xerostomia, gingival inflammation, and cracked teeth. All patients are younger than 40 years with no history of dental complaints and oral diseases. Fortunately, these symptoms are not life threatening and treatable/manageable by current treatment options. To date, there is no clear proof of how and via which pathway, SARS-CoV-2 genomic blueprint causes the oral manifestation of COVID-19 beside ACE2 receptor which is the only known biopathway for such incidents.
Nickel oxide-nickel heterostructures point to cheaper, efficient wearable temperature sensors
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: September 2021

Wearable prototype pushes performance of temperature sensor arrays with stability lasting more than three months.
Dynamic instability analysis of aeroelastic systems with application to aircraft wings
Authors: Al-Thehabey Omar Yousef
Published: September 2021

In this research, a set of computational algorithms have been developed to obtain a solution for steady and unsteady aeroelastic effects with specific applications to rectangular and swept aircraft wings. The solution includes calculation for the dynamic response and prediction for the occurrence of aeroelastic instability. Two aircraft wing models, under different combinations of flight conditions, were used in testing. Good results that match with those obtained in the lab have been observed, except in certain conditions where severe external conditions, such as shocks, flow separation, or transonic flow occurred. The results were also validated with multiple computational methods. For instance, the pressure coefficient, Cp, calculated with vortex lattice was also calculated with Woodward's method and showed good match. For the unsteady flow, the calculated pressure coefficient and phase angle were compared with the measured values obtained in the lab, and the calculated and experimental results were very close. The generalized aerodynamic force function (QRS) was determined using two different schemes: a direct formula using the interpolation technique and using the downwash vectors. Both schemes produced very close results. The transfer function was calculated using direct and closed form solutions, producing identical results. The instability calculation showed very close match: for case 3A, the flutter point occurred at dynamic pressure, frequency, and flutter velocity of 20.933 Hz, 0.9 Psi, and 566 fps, respectively, compared with measured values of 20.38 Hz, 0.924 Psi, and 565.8 fps. For case 3B, the results showed flutter occurring at (16.015, 0.605, and 973.2) vs (16.09, 0.62, and 973.4) measured.
Study of the structural, AC electrical conductivity, electric modulus, and dielectric properties of novel PVDF/LiCoO2 nanocomposites for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Gaabour L. H.
Published: September 2021

In the present article, novel polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) nanocomposite films were prepared using the casting method to use in Li-ion batteries. X-ray diffraction reveals that the deposited LiCoO2 nanoparticles have a hexagonal structure. The AC electrical conductivity σac was measured and investigated using a different range of frequencies and temperatures. The increase in the LiCoO2 content in the PVDF polymeric matrix leads to the formation of the network through the nanocomposites. The dielectric modulus (M′ and M″) and the dielectric parameters (ɛ′ and ɛ″) were studied in detail. The M′ values decrease with the increase in the filler and temperature as the behavior of semiconductor materials. The max values of M″ shifted with a higher frequency after the addition of LiCoO2 and increase of temperature, indicating the temperature dependency of the relaxation time. A single relaxation peak was found, confirming a thermally activated process that passes through a maximum due to the relaxation time. The Cole–Cole (M′ and M″) diagram shows a distinct semicircle, which is attributed to the interfacial phenomena occurring between the components. The nature of the AC electrical conductivity was explained following Juncher’s law. σAC was enhanced due to the movement of charged ions and charge carriers within the nanocomposite samples.
Critical role of minor eggcase silk component in promoting spidroin chain alignment and strong fiber formation
Authors: Fan Tiantian , Qin Ruiqi , Zhang Yan , Wang Jingxia , Fan Jing-Song , Bai Xiangli , Yuan Wensu , Huang Weidong , Shi Shuo , Su Xun-Cheng , Yang Daiwen , Lin Zhi
Published: September 2021

Significance

Our manuscript is focused on the structural and functional role of minor silk component TuSp2 in spider eggcase silk formation. We present the structure of TuSp2 core domain and reveal how this domain renders main component TuSp1 more favorable for molecular chain alignment, which is critical for strong fiber formation. We further designed a series of biomimetic minispidroin complexes and showed that the artificial silk fiber can surpass its native counterpart in strength significantly. This study represents a distinct advance in understanding the critical role of the minor component in silk formation. The strategy developed in this study also throws light on spinning other types of artificial silk fibers with predictable physical properties.
Micromotor-based localized electroporation and gene transfection of mammalian cells
Authors: Wu Yue , Fu Afu , Yossifon Gilad
Published: September 2021

Significance

A metallodielectric Janus particle–based micromotor system for local electroporation and gene transfection of a single mammalian cell is studied. This hybrid micromotor is magnetically and electrically propelled with magnetic steering to approach and contact a targeted cell. The targeted cell is then locally electroporated at its contact point with the micromotor, where the electric field is intensified. These Janus particles can enable the introduction of drugs and plasmids to a specific location along a single cell of irregular shape, such as neurons. Moreover, the localized electroporation results in increased cell viability, as only a small portion of the cell is experiencing an intensified electric field.