bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graph theory analysis of the dopamine D2 receptor network in Parkinson’s disease patients with cognitive decline
Authors: Mihaescu Alexander S. , Kim Jinhee , Masellis Mario , Graff‐Guerrero Ariel , Cho Sang Soo , Christopher Leigh , Valli Mikaeel , Díez‐Cirarda María , Koshimori Yuko , Strafella Antonio P.
Published: December 2020

Cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common sequela of the disorder that has a large impact on patient well‐being. Its physiological etiology, however, remains elusive. Our study used graph theory analysis to investigate the large‐scale topological patterns of the extrastriatal dopamine D2 receptor network. We used positron emission tomography with [11C]FLB‐457 to measure the binding potential of cortical dopamine D2 receptors in two networks: the meso‐cortical dopamine network and the meso‐limbic dopamine network. We also investigated the application of partial volume effect correction (PVEC) in conjunction with graph theory analysis. Three groups were investigated in this study divided according to their cognitive status as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, with a score ≤25 considered cognitively impaired: (a) healthy controls (n = 13, 11 female), (b) cognitively unimpaired PD patients (PD‐CU, n = 13, 5 female), and (c) PD patients with mild cognitive impairment (PD‐MCI, n = 17, 4 female). In the meso‐cortical network, we observed increased small‐worldness, normalized clustering, and local efficiency in the PD‐CU group compared to the PD‐MCI group, as well as a hub shift in the PD‐MCI group. Compensatory reorganization of the meso‐cortical dopamine D2 receptor network may be responsible for some of the cognitive preservation observed in PD‐CU. These results were found without PVEC applied and PVEC proved detrimental to the graph theory analysis. Overall, our findings demonstrate how graph theory analysis can be used to detect subtle changes in the brain that would otherwise be missed by regional comparisons of receptor density.
Growth‐associated catabolic potential of Acetoanaerobium sticklandii DSM 519 on gelatin and amino acids
Authors: Sangavai Chinnadurai , Chellapandi Paulchamy
Published: December 2020

Acetoanaerobium sticklandii DSM 519 is a hyperammonia‐producing anaerobe that catabolizes proteins and amino acids into organic solvents and volatile acids via the Stickland reactions. However, the specific growth rate and metabolic capability of this organism on proteins and amino acids are not yet known. Therefore, the present study was intended to evaluate its specific growth rate and metabolic potential on gelatin and amino acids in the experimental media. We carried out metabolic assay experiments to calculate its ability to utilize pure gelatin, single amino acids, and amino acid pairs at different growth phases. The results of this study show that complete assimilation of gelatin was achieved by its log‐phase culture. The subsequent fermentation of amino acids was much faster than gelatin hydrolysis. The rate of gelatin degradation was associated with the growth and catabolic rates of this organism. Many amino acids were not assimilated completely for its growth and energy conservation. A log‐phase culture of this organism preferably utilized l‐cysteine, l‐arginine, and l‐serine, and released more fraction of ammonia. As shown by our analysis, the catabolic rates of these amino acids were determined by the rates of respective enzymes involved in amino acid catabolic pathways and feedback repression of ammonia. The growth kinetic data indicated that at the initial growth stage, a metabolic shift in its solventogenesis and acidogenesis phases was associated with catabolism of certain amino acids. Thus, the results of this study provide a new insight to exploit its log‐phase culture as a starter for the production of biofuel components from gelatin processing industries.
Identification of biomarkers in hydrosoluble extracts from spelt and wheat cultivated in different production systems
Authors: Bodroža‐Solarov Marija , Grobelnik‐Mlakar Silva , Pezo Lato , Keleman Svetlana , Ilin Sonja , Marić Boško , Filipčev Bojana
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

In the present paper, a method for differentiation between common and spelt wheat grown in different farming systems (biodynamic, ecological, integrated, conventional), based on biomarkers identified from aqueous flour extracts (nitrogen and 14 soluble carbohydrates) was employed.

RESULTS

The identification and determination of soluble carbohydrate content were carried out using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, with the UV spectrum generated by mass spectrometry for comparison with the WILEY database. Soluble carbohydrates were determined in the peak area between 21.92 and 43.63 min−1 retention time. The obtained data set was analyzed by multivariate statistical techniques. It was revealed that common wheat exerted a much more pronounced tendency than spelt wheat to be influenced by the farming system.

CONCLUSION

This differentiation was particularly well visualized after subjecting the data set to principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA). In the PCA graph, all spelt samples were positioned closer to the corresponding control sample, in contrast to the wheat samples, which were distributed over a huge area in the factor space. CA showed that the spelt samples grown under different farming systems were highly similar and grouped into one cluster. Common wheat samples cultivated under organic, biodynamic and integrated system were similar and represented the second cluster, whereas that cultivated under the conventional system was clearly separated from other samples. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The inhibitory effects of sesamol and sesamolin on the glycidyl esters formation during deodorization of vegetables oils
Authors: Han Lipeng , Li Jiahui , Wang Shujie , Cheng Weiwei , Ma Lukai , Liu Guoqin , Han Dongxue , Niu Li
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Glycidyl esters (GEs) have attracted worldwide attention for their potential harm to human health. The GEs in edible oils mainly form during the deodorization of the oil refining processes. We used sesamol and sesamolin to inhibit the formation of GEs in model corn oil (MCO), model palm oil (MPO) and model rice bran oil (MRO) during a deodorization process.

RESULTS

The results showed that, in the three model oils, the total GE content was in the following order from highest to lowest: MRO (1437.98 μg kg−1) > MPO (388.64 μg kg−1) > MCO (314.81 μg kg−1). The inhibitory effect of the three antioxidants on the formation of GEs in the MCO was in the following order from strongest to weakest: tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) > sesamol > sesamolin.

CONCLUSION

When the mass percentage of sesamol was 0.05%, its inhibition percentage on GEs was close to the inhibition percentage of 0.02% added TBHQ. The present study provides a foundation for understanding how to inhibit the formation of GEs in oils by adding sesamol during the deodorization process.
The optimization of wheat yield through adaptive crop management in a changing climate: evidence from China
Authors: Liu Yujie , Zhang Jie , Ge Quansheng
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Adaptive crop management is critical to food security in a changing climate, but the respective contributions of climate change and crop management to yields remain unclear. Thus, we distinguished and quantified the respective contribution of climate change and crop management on wheat yield between 1981 and 2018 in China, using first‐difference multivariate regression model.

RESULTS

Wheat production in China has increased over the past four decades. Under the sole impact of climate change, wheat yield generally decreased (−5.45 to +1.09% decade−1). Crop management increased the wheat yield from 7.11 to 19.94% decade−1. Sensitivities of wheat yield to climatic variables (average temperature, accumulated sunshine hours, accumulated precipitation) were spatially heterogeneous; notably, in spring‐wheat planting areas, wheat yield was more susceptible to the negative impact of warming. In terms of relative contribution, the contribution of climate change to spring wheat yield was −24.08% to −5.41%, and the contribution to winter wheat was −4.98% to +34.69%. Crop management had a positive contribution to all wheat‐growing areas (65.31–96.84%).

CONCLUSION

Crop management had a greater effect on wheat yield than climate change did. Among the three climatic variables investigated, average temperature had the dominant effect on wheat yield change; the impact of precipitation was minimal but mostly negative. The results provide insight regarding the contribution of climate change and crop management to wheat yield; adaptation measures may be more effective in planting areas where crop management contributes more, which will help stakeholders optimize crop management and adaptation strategies. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Conversion Factor for B‐Scan Ultrasound Measurement of Intraocular Tumors With and Without the Sclera
Authors: Tanke Laurel B. , Leske David A. , Dalvin Lauren A.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between choroidal nevus and melanoma thickness measured with or without the sclera included by B‐scan ultrasound and to present a simple conversion formula.

Methods

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for choroidal nevus or melanoma evaluated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, with B‐scan ultrasound between February 4, 2004, and April 23, 2020. Charts were retrospectively reviewed for high‐quality B‐scan images in which the ultrasound transducer was perpendicular to the lesion, measuring the tumor thickness without the sclera included. Measurements were repeated with the sclera included for each patient. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors correlated with scleral thickness.

Results

There were 201 tumors included in the study, with a mean patient age ± SD of 61 ± 14 years, largest tumor basal diameter of 11.8 ± 4.8 mm, tumor thickness without the sclera included of 3.72 ± 2.7 mm, and thickness with the sclera included of 4.54 ± SD 2.8 mm. On the univariate analysis, factors associated with perceived scleral thickness by B‐scan ultrasound included age (P < .001), tumor thickness (P < .001), and basal diameter (P = .06). On the multivariate analysis, factors associated with perceived scleral thickness included age and tumor thickness (P < .001) for all tumors and for the subset of 141 tumors with a thickness of 2 mm or greater (P < .001). For tumors of 2 mm or greater in thickness, perceived scleral thickness by ultrasound can be estimated by the formula 0.00495(patient age) + 0.02451(tumor thickness without the sclera) + 0.42549.

Conclusions

We present a simple formula for converting between B‐scan ultrasound measurements of choroidal nevus and melanoma measuring 2 mm or greater in thickness with and without the sclera included.
Reduced Asthma Medication Use after Treatment of Pediatric Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder
Authors: Ivancic Ryan , Matrka Laura , Wiet Gregory , Puckett Amy , Haney Jennifer , deSilva Brad
Published: December 2020

Objectives/Hypotheses

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder (PVFMD) leads to decreased asthma medication use. Our secondary objective was to determine dyspnea outcomes following diagnosis and treatment for PVFMD.

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed PVFMD between the ages of 11 and 17 were recruited at a single pediatric institution. A medication questionnaire and Dyspnea Index (DI) were completed at the initial visit, at the first return visit, and at greater than 6 months post‐diagnosis and therapy. Laryngeal Control Therapy (LCT) consisted of teaching breathing techniques and identifying emotional, physical, and environmental contributing factors and strategies to reduce them.

Results

Twenty‐six patients were recruited to the study. There were 19/26 (73%) patients diagnosed with asthma prior to a diagnosis of PVFMD, and 26/26 (100%) patients were using an inhaler prior to the enrollment visit. Twenty‐two (85%) patients completed follow‐up questionnaires. Five patients participated in no therapy, seven patients in partial therapy, and 14 patients in full therapy. Significant reduction in asthma medication use was seen in the full therapy group (P < .05) and in those with exercise as their only trigger (P < .05). Furthermore, symptoms as scored by the DI decreased overall from 25.5 to 18.8 (P < .001).

Conclusions

Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric PVFMD leads to a decline in asthma medication use in those patients who participate in at least two LCT sessions and in those with exercise‐induced PVFMD. LCT for pediatric PVFMD leads to a significant decrease in symptoms as measured by the DI.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1639–1646, 2021
Interdigitated Sensor Based on a Silicone Foam for Subtle Robotic Manipulation
Authors: Hesam Mahmoudinezhad Masoumeh , Anderson Iain , Rosset Samuel
Published: December 2020

In this contribution, a soft sensor configuration based on silicone foam is developed to measure compressive forces in the range of 50 N with the aim of providing proprioceptive capabilities to conventional robotic manipulators based on hard materials. This then makes them capable of interacting with soft and fragile objects without damage. The concept relies on interdigitated electrodes that are patterned on the backside of the sensor to generate a fringing electric field into a soft compressible polymeric foam. The deformation of the foam causes changes to relative permittivity as the air‐filled cells compress. The model in this article shows how the different parameters of the foam, such as air volume fraction, permittivity, and Young's modulus, affect the stiffness and electrical sensitivity of the sensor, and how controlling the porosity of the foam is key to optimizing the sensitivity of the sensor. This sensor is easy to fabricate and does not require compliant electrodes, while exhibiting high sensitivity values of 33% capacitance change for as little as 10 N applied force.
Prediction and Prevention of Cancer-Associated Thromboembolism
Authors: Khorana Alok A. , DeSancho Maria T. , Liebman Howard , Rosovsky Rachel , Connors Jean M. , Zwicker Jeffrey
Published: December 2020

Venous and arterial thromboembolism are prevalent, highly burdensome, and associated with risk of worse outcomes for patients with cancer. Risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) varies widely across specific cancer subpopulations. The ability to predict risk of cancer-associated VTE is critical because an optimal thromboprophylaxis strategy is best achieved by targeting high-risk patients with cancer and avoiding prophylaxis in patients with cancer at low risk for VTE. A validated risk tool for solid tumors has been available for a decade. Newer tools have focused on specific populations, such as patients with multiple myeloma. Emerging studies continue to optimize risk prediction approaches in patients with cancer. Recent randomized trials have specifically addressed risk-adapted thromboprophylaxis using direct oral anticoagulants, and revised guidelines have included these new data to formulate recommendations for outpatient thromboprophylaxis. Implementation science approaches to enhance use of outpatient prophylaxis in the context of these guideline changes are under way. However, major knowledge gaps remain, including a lack of data for inpatient thromboprophylaxis in the cancer setting and a lack of formal tools for identifying risk of bleeding. This review describes optimal approaches to risk prediction and patient selection for primary pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis of cancer-associated VTE, addresses barriers to implementing these practices, and highlights strategies to overcome them.

Implications for Practice

Risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) varies widely among patients with cancer. Individual risk can be determined using validated approaches. Inpatient and postsurgical thromboprophylaxis is more widely accepted. However, most patients with cancer develop VTE in the outpatient setting. Recent randomized trials have demonstrated benefit to risk-adapted outpatient thromboprophylaxis. High-risk patients may therefore be considered for outpatient thromboprophylaxis as recommended by recently updated guidelines. System-wide implementation approaches are necessary to improve compliance with prophylaxis.
Approach to Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: Challenging Situations and Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Wang Tzu-Fei , Billett Henny H. , Connors Jean M. , Soff Gerald A.
Published: December 2020

Malignancy is a significant risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). It is estimated that up to 20% of patients with cancer may develop VTE at some time in their cancer journey. Cancer-associated VTE can lead to hospitalizations, morbidity, delayed cancer treatment, and mortality. The optimal prevention and management of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is of utmost importance. Direct oral anticoagulants have been recommended as first-line therapy for VTE treatment in the general population and their efficacy has recently been demonstrated in the cancer population, leading to increased use. However, patients with cancer have unique challenges and comorbidities that can lead to increased risks and concerns with anticoagulation. Herein we will discuss commonly encountered challenges in patients with CAT, review available literature, and provide practice suggestions.

Implications for Practice

This article aims to specifically address cancer-associated thrombosis issues for which there is limited or absent evidence to guide best practice, for circumstances that pose unique challenges for clinicians, and for directions when the literature is conflicting. It reviews pertinent data for each selected topic and provides guidance for patient management based on the best available evidence and experiences from the panel.
Implementing DPYD*2A Genotyping in Clinical Practice: The Quebec, Canada, Experience
Authors: Jolivet Catherine , Nassabein Rami , Soulières Denis , Weng Xiaoduan , Amireault Carl , Ayoub Jean-Pierre , Beauregard Patrice , Blais Normand , Carrier Christian , Cloutier Alexis-Simon , Desnoyers Alexandra , Lemay Anne-Sophie , Lemay Frédéric , Loungnarath Rasmy , Jolivet Jacques , Letendre François , Tehfé Mustapha , Vadnais Charles , Viens Daniel , Aubin Francine
Published: December 2020

Background

Fluoropyrimidines are used in chemotherapy combinations for multiple cancers. Deficient dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity can lead to severe life-threatening toxicities. DPYD*2A polymorphism is one of the most studied variants. The study objective was to document the impact of implementing this test in routine clinical practice.

Methods

We retrospectively performed chart reviews of all patients who tested positive for a heterozygous or homozygous DPYD*2A mutation in samples obtained from patients throughout the province of Quebec, Canada.

Results

During a period of 17 months, 2,617 patients were tested: 25 patients tested positive. All were White. Twenty-four of the 25 patients were heterozygous (0.92%), and one was homozygous (0.038%). Data were available for 20 patients: 15 were tested upfront, whereas five were identified after severe toxicities. Of the five patients confirmed after toxicities, all had grade 4 cytopenias, 80% grade ≥3 mucositis, 20% grade 3 rash, and 20% grade 3 diarrhea. Eight patients identified with DPYD*2A mutation prior to treatment received fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy at reduced initial doses. The average fluoropyrimidine dose intensity during chemotherapy was 50%. No grade ≥3 toxicities were observed. DPYD*2A test results were available in an average of 6 days, causing no significant delays in treatment initiation.

Conclusion

Upfront genotyping before fluoropyrimidine-based treatment is feasible in clinical practice and can prevent severe toxicities and hospitalizations without delaying treatment initiation. The administration of chemotherapy at reduced doses appears to be safe in patients heterozygous for DPYD*2A.

Implications for Practice

Fluoropyrimidines are part of chemotherapy combinations for multiple cancers. Deficient dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity can lead to severe life-threatening toxicities. This retrospective analysis demonstrates that upfront genotyping of DPYD before fluoropyrimidine-based treatment is feasible in clinical practice and can prevent severe toxicities and hospitalizations without delaying treatment initiation. This approach was reported previously, but insufficient data concerning its application in real practice are available. This is likely the first reported experience of systematic DPYD genotyping all over Canada and North America as well.
Registration of ‘UC Rio Zape’ heirloom‐like dry bean
Authors: Parker Travis , Palkovic Antonia , Brummer E. Charles , Gepts Paul
Published: December 2020

‘UC Rio Zape’ (Reg. no. CV‐335, PI 693471) is a dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) developed by recurrent backcrossing between the landrace Rio Zape (recurrent parent) and ‘Matterhorn’ great northern bean (donor parent). UC Rio Zape is a BC5F2:7 cultivar that traces approximately 98% of its ancestry to Rio Zape but demonstrates resistance to Bean common mosaic virus due to introgression of the I gene. UC Rio Zape also has yields 19% higher than its heirloom parent. It also maintains culinary quality comparable to its heirloom parent. All field evaluations were conducted on certified organic land. UC Rio Zape will serve growers and consumers interested in heirloom‐like bean that can be produced efficiently and economically.
Computational exploration of the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of 7‐isopropylidenebenzonorbornadiene with nitrile oxide and cyclic nitrone derivatives
Authors: Baffour Pipim George , Tia Richard , Adei Evans
Published: December 2020

The synthesis of isoxazolidine and isoxazole derivatives, versatile building blocks for the construction of a wide range of complex heterocyclic architectures in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry, is efficiently achieved via the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction (1,3‐DC). Herein, we report an extensive theoretical study on the peri‐, regio‐, stereo, and enantio‐selectivities of 1,3‐DC of 7‐isopropylidenebenzonorbornadiene with nitrile oxide and cyclic nitrone derivatives using density functional theory calculations. Acetophenone‐substituted nitrile oxide periselectively adds across the endocyclic olefinic bond of the dipolarophile to furnish the exo‐cycloadduct as the major product, a reaction that has a rate constant of 1.88 × 109 s−1. The endo approach of this periselective path is the closest competing pathway with a rate constant of 4.59 × 107 s−1. Different substituents on the nitrile oxide do not affect the peri‐ and stereo‐selectivity of the reaction. Diethyl ether solvation has no substantial effect on the energetic patterns observed in the gas phase computation. Also, we report a novel 1,3‐DC between cyclic nitrone derivatives and 7‐isopropylidenebenzonorbornadiene as an efficient way to generate isoxazolidine derivatives. Even though the reactions of the cyclic nitrone derivatives have slightly higher activation barriers than the acyclic nitrile oxide derivatives, the former is more enantioselective than the latter. Whereas electron‐donating groups (EDGs) on the cyclic nitrone favor the formation of the exo‐cycloadduct, electron‐withdrawing groups (EWGs) favor the formation of the endo‐cycloadduct. Both 1,3‐dipoles add across the dipolarophile via a concerted asynchronous mechanism.
First‐principles calculations to investigate structural stabilities, mechanical and optoelectronic properties of NbCoSn and NbFeSb half‐Heusler compounds
Authors: Zerrouki Tayeb , Rached Habib , Rached Djamel , Caid Messaoud , Cheref Oualid , Rabah Mohamed
Published: December 2020

The aim of this work was to study by means of the full potential linear muffin‐tin orbital method within generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and GGA + U approach the various physical properties of the NbCoSn and NbFeSb half‐Heusler compounds. The equilibrium ground states properties were calculated and compared with available experimental and theoretical data. The elastic constants have been calculated, and revealed that our compounds are mechanically stable. The obtained elastic modulus divulged that our compounds are elastically anisotropic and categorizing them as brittle compounds. The GGA approach showed a semi‐conductor nature. However, the GGA + U approach showed a significant improvement over other theoretical work. We remarked from the band structures that the two materials showed a p‐type semiconductor, with relatively high power factors. Furthermore, the optical quantities are calculated and discussed in detail. Hence, by our findings, the studied compounds could be used for thermoelectric and optoelectronic applications.
Regression analysis of mixed panel count data with informative indicator processes
Authors: Ge Lei , Zhu Liang , Sun Jianguo
Published: December 2020

Panel count data occur often in event history studies and in these situations, one observes only incomplete information, the number of events rather than the occurrence times of each event, about the point processes of interest.2 Sometimes one may have to face a more complicated type of panel count data, mixed panel count data in which instead of the number of events, one only knows if there is an occurrence of an event.3 Furthermore, this may depend on the underlying point process of interest or in other words, the point process of interest and the observation type process may be related. To address this, a sieve maximum likelihood estimation approach is proposed with the use of Bernstein polynomials, and for the implementation, an EM algorithm is developed. To assess the finite sample performance of the proposed approach, a simulation study is conducted and suggests that it works well for practical situations. The method is then applied to a motivating example about cancer survivors.
Charge Transfer Parameters, Correlative Perturbation Potential with Non‐Linear Optical Properties of Bi‐Heterocyclic Dyes Having TCF Acceptor‐ DFT Approach
Authors: Ghanavatkar Chaitannya W. , Mishra Virendra R. , Sekar Nagaiyan
Published: December 2020

We have designed ten molecules having “donor‐π‐acceptor system”. Coumarin and carbazole connected to tricyanofuran acceptor unit are selected to study their “ground state” structural and NLO properties. Six functionals with five solvents are used to obtain vertical excitation and hyperpolarizabilities. “Amplitude of sine‐shaped potential” decreases with increase in conjugation chain and solvent polarity. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO), molecular electrostatic potential (MEPS), bond length alteration (BLA), quinoid character (δr) showed intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). HOMO‐LUMO depends on donor strength and solvent environment. N‐Alkyl substituted donors showed red shifted vertical excitations, higher dipole moments and higher hyperpolarizabilities. Perturbation potential have correlation with BLA, quinoid character, hyperpolarizabilities and hyperhardness. Using DFT, NLO parameters such as‐(β0) and (γ) are calculated with six different functionals‐ including global hybrid (GH) and range separated hybrid (RSH) (B3LYP, BHandHLYP, CAM‐B3LYP, ωB97, ωB97X, and ωB97X‐D). Higher (β0) 213×10−30(esu) and (γ) 791×10−30(esu) obtained using B3LYP functional for NCou 1. Standard deviation and mean absolute error calculated to check usefulness of functional. DFT descriptors, chemical potential (μ), chemical hardness (η), electrophilicity index (ω) and hyperhardness are produced. DFT descriptors are correlated with calculated NLO parameters.
Study on the Influence Factors of Rod Plate Gap Corona Discharge Environment Based on UV Imaging
Authors: Wang Shenghui , Li Wei , Jiang Tingyue , Niu Leilei , Lv Fangcheng , Li Nan
Published: December 2020

To study the influence of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and air pressure on the detection of corona discharge using ultraviolet imaging, the rod‐plate gap model was used, and the ultraviolet video signals of AC discharge under different environmental conditions were recorded by CoroCAM504 ultraviolet imager, and the environmental factors affecting UV discharge from electrical equipment were analyzed. The experimental results show that the area of the discharge spot increases nonlinearly with temperature. The area of the discharge spot decreases with increasing humidity, and a power‐law relationship governs this behavior. At a humidity of 40 to 90%, the power index varies from 1.6 to 2.6. Wind speed weakens coronal discharge: when the wind speed is 12 m/s and the voltage is 50 kV the discharge spot area is reduced by 76.7% compared with that in still conditions. Air pressure has a significant effect on ultraviolet imaging, and field tests also show that discharge at high altitudes is stronger than that at lower altitude. Based on the above experimental research, normalization of spot area by correction coefficient method is proposed. The correction error is less than 20%, which offers guidance to engineering practice. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Antimony(III) Iodide Complexes with Pyridine: Structures and bonding via three pnictogen bonds
Authors: Pomogaeva Anna V. , Khoroshilova Olesya V. , Davydova Elena I. , Suslonov Vitalii V. , Timoshkin Alexey Y.
Published: December 2020

Solid state structures of five new molecular complexes of SbI3 with Py have been determined by single crystal X‐ray structural analysis. In all complexes, all antimony atoms adopt a pseudo‐octahedral coordination geometry, which is completed by additional Sb⋅⋅⋅I contacts shorter than sum of van der Waals radii, with I−Sb⋅⋅⋅I angles close to 180°. Analysis of the electrostatic potentials, the orbital interactions and topological analysis indicate that these contacts are due to the presence of Sb⋅⋅⋅I pnictogen bonds. The first example of three pnictogen bonds of SbI3 is reported.
An interface-enriched generalized finite element method for level set-based topology optimization
Authors: van den Boom S. J. , Zhang J. , van Keulen F. , Aragón A. M.
Published: December 2020

During design optimization, a smooth description of the geometry is important, especially for problems that are sensitive to the way interfaces are resolved, e.g., wave propagation or fluid-structure interaction. A level set description of the boundary, when combined with an enriched finite element formulation, offers a smoother description of the design than traditional density-based methods. However, existing enriched methods have drawbacks, including ill-conditioning and difficulties in prescribing essential boundary conditions. In this work, we introduce a new enriched topology optimization methodology that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks; boundaries are resolved accurately by means of the Interface-enriched Generalized Finite Element Method (IGFEM), coupled to a level set function constructed by radial basis functions. The enriched method used in this new approach to topology optimization has the same level of accuracy in the analysis as the standard finite element method with matching meshes, but without the need for remeshing. We derive the analytical sensitivities and we discuss the behavior of the optimization process in detail. We establish that IGFEM-based level set topology optimization generates correct topologies for well-known compliance minimization problems.
Vertebral disk morphology of the lumbar spine: a retrospective analysis of collagen-sensitive mapping using dual-energy computed tomography
Authors: Schömig Friederike , Pumberger Matthias , Palmowski Yannick , Ditges Ann-Kathrin , Diekhoff Torsten , Göhler Friedemann
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of collagen-sensitive maps derived from dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) for the detection of lumbar disk pathologies in a feasibility setting.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and DECT datasets acquired in patients who underwent periradicular therapy of the lumbar spine from June to December 2019. Three readers scored DECT collagen maps, conventional CT, and MRI for presence, type, and extent of disk pathology. Contingency table analyses were performed to determine diagnostic accuracy using MRI as standard of reference. Interrater agreement within and between imaging modalities was evaluated by computing intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Cohen’s kappa. Correlation between sum scores of anteroposterior disk displacement was determined by calculation of a paired t test.

Results

In 21 disks in 13 patients, DECT had a sensitivity of 0.87 (0.60–0.98) and specificity of 1.00 (0.54–1.00) for the detection of disk pathology. Intermodality agreement for anteroposterior disk displacement was excellent for DECT (ICC 0.963 [0.909–0.985]) and superior to CT (ICC 0.876 [0.691–0.95]). For anteroposterior disk displacement, DECT also showed greater within-modality interrater agreement (ICC 0.820 [0.666–0.916]) compared with CT (ICC 0.624 [0.39–0.808]).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that collagen-sensitive imaging has an added benefit, allowing more accurate evaluation of the extent of disk displacement with higher interrater reliability. Thus, DECT could provide useful diagnostic information in patients undergoing CT for other indications or with contraindications to MRI.
EANM/SNMMI practice guideline for [18F]FDG PET/CT external beam radiotherapy treatment planning in uterine cervical cancer v1.0
Authors: Adam Judit A. , Loft Annika , Chargari Cyrus , Delgado Bolton Roberto C. , Kidd Elisabeth , Schöder Heiko , Veit-Haibach Patrick , Vogel Wouter V.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The aim of this EANM / SNMMI Practice Guideline with ESTRO endorsement is to provide general information and specific considerations about [18F]FDG PET/CT in advanced uterine cervical cancer for external beam radiotherapy planning with emphasis on staging and target definition, mostly in FIGO stages IB3-IVA and IVB, treated with curative intention.

Methods

Guidelines from related fields, relevant literature and leading experts have been consulted during the development of this guideline. As this field is rapidly evolving, this guideline cannot be seen as definitive, nor is it a summary of all existing protocols. Local variations should be taken into consideration when applying this guideline.

Conclusion

The background, common clinical indications, qualifications and responsibilities of personnel, procedure / specifications of the examination, documentation / reporting and equipment specifications, quality control and radiation safety in imaging is discussed with an emphasis on the multidisciplinary approach.
Variables affecting patellar height in patients undergoing primary total knee replacement
Authors: Salem Khaled Hamed , Sheth Miten Rajendra
Published: December 2020

Background

Alteration of patellar height is commonly encountered in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and failure to address patella baja can result in suboptimal functional outcomes. It may therefore be prudent to evaluate pre-operative patellar height (PPH) and to seek risk factors for patella baja.

Methods

Two hundred eighty-five patients who underwent TKA were included. Patient’s age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and history of prior arthroscopy were recorded. PPH was measured using plateau-patella angle (PPA) as well as the Blackburn-Peel (BP), Caton-Deschamps (CD), and Insall-Salvati (IS) ratios.

Results

The average patients’ age was 71 years with a mean BMI of 30.45. There were 191 female and 94 male patients. One-fourth of the cases had at least one prior knee arthroscopy. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified gender and BMI as variables significantly affecting the IS ratio (p: < 0.05). Gender also had a significant correlation with PPA. Male patients were likely to have lower PPA (p: < 0.03). Though increasing age had a positive correlation with patellar height, this was not statistically significant. History of prior arthroscopy had no significant effect on any of the four PPH measurements.

Conclusion

Lower patellar height is significantly correlated to male gender and high BMI. We suggest that obese male patients be screened for pre-operative patella baja. This can help in surgical planning and optimizing results in TKA.
Radiomics of high-resolution computed tomography for the differentiation between cholesteatoma and middle ear inflammation: effects of post-reconstruction methods in a dual-center study
Authors: Arendt Christophe T. , Leithner Doris , Mayerhoefer Marius E. , Gibbs Peter , Czerny Christian , Arnoldner Christoph , Burck Iris , Leinung Martin , Tanyildizi Yasemin , Lenga Lukas , Martin Simon S. , Vogl Thomas J. , Schernthaner Ruediger E.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the performance of radiomic features extracted from high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for the differentiation between cholesteatoma and middle ear inflammation (MEI), and to investigate the impact of post-reconstruction harmonization and data resampling.

Methods

One hundred patients were included in this retrospective dual-center study: 48 with histology-proven cholesteatoma (center A: 23; center B: 25) and 52 with MEI (A: 27; B: 25). Radiomic features (co-occurrence and run-length matrix, absolute gradient, autoregressive model, Haar wavelet transform) were extracted from manually defined 2D-ROIs. The ten best features for lesion differentiation were selected using probability of error and average correlation coefficients. A multi-layer perceptron feed-forward artificial neural network (MLP-ANN) was used for radiomics-based classification, with histopathology serving as the reference standard (70% of cases for training, 30% for validation). The analysis was performed five times each on (a) unmodified data and on data that were (b) resampled to the same matrix size, and (c) corrected for acquisition protocol differences using ComBat harmonization.

Results

Using unmodified data, the MLP-ANN classification yielded an overall median area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.78 (0.72–0.84). Using original data from center A and resampled data from center B, an overall median AUC of 0.88 (0.82–0.99) was yielded, while using ComBat harmonized data, an overall median AUC of 0.89 (0.79–0.92) was revealed.

Conclusion

Radiomic features extracted from HRCT differentiate between cholesteatoma and MEI. When using multi-centric data obtained with differences in CT acquisition parameters, data resampling and ComBat post-reconstruction harmonization clearly improve radiomics-based lesion classification.

Key Points

• Unenhanced high-resolution CT coupled with radiomics analysis may be useful for the differentiation between cholesteatoma and middle ear inflammation.

• Pooling of data extracted from inhomogeneous CT datasets does not appear meaningful without further post-processing.

• When using multi-centric CT data obtained with differences in acquisition parameters, post-reconstruction harmonization and data resampling clearly improve radiomics-based soft-tissue differentiation.
Investigating the 1-year decline in midbrain-to-pons ratio in the differential diagnosis of PSP and IPD
Authors: Kannenberg Silja , Caspers Julian , Dinkelbach Lars , Moldovan Alexia-S. , Ferrea Stefano , Südmeyer Martin , Butz Markus , Schnitzler Alfons , Hartmann Christian J.
Published: December 2020

Background

A reliable measure of PSP-specific midbrain atrophy, the midbrain-to-pons ratio (MTPR) has been reported to support the differential diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) from idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD). Since longitudinal analyses are lacking so far, the present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the relative change of MTPR (relΔt_MTPR) over a 1-year period in patients with PSP, IPD, and healthy controls (HC).

Methods

Midsagittal individual MRIs of patients with PSP (n = 15), IPD (n = 15), and healthy controls (HC; n = 15) were assessed and the MTPR at baseline and after 1 year were defined. The diagnostic accuracy of the MTPR and its relative change were evaluated using ROC curve analyses.

Results

PSP-patients had a significantly lower MTPR at baseline (M = 0.45 ± 0.06), compared to both non-PSP groups (F (2, 41) = 62.82, p < 0.001), with an overall predictive accuracy of 95.6% for an MTPR ≤ 0.54. PSP-patients also presented a significantly stronger 1-year decline in MTPR compared to IPD (p < 0.001). Though predictive accuracy of relΔt_MTPR for PSP (M = − 4.74% ± 4.48) from IPD (M =  + 1.29 ± 3.77) was good (76.6%), ROC analysis did not reveal a significant improvement of diagnostic accuracy by combining the MTPR and relΔt_MTPR (p = 0.670). Still, specificity for PSP increased, though not significantly (p = 0.500).

Conclusion

The present results indicate that the relΔt_MTPR is a potentially useful tool to support the differential diagnosis of PSP from IPD. For its relative 1-year change, still, more evaluation is needed.
Experimental evaluation of precision and accuracy of RSA in the lumbar spine
Authors: Keller Marie Christina , Hurschler Christof , Schwarze Michael
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis is a technique to make accurate assessments of the relative position and orientation of bone structures and implants in vivo. While the precision and accuracy of stereophotogrammetry for hip and knee arthroplasty is well documented, there is insufficient knowledge of the technique’s precision and, especially accuracy when applied to rotational movements in the spinal region.

Methods

The motion of one cadaver lumbar spine segment (L3/L4) was analyzed in flexion–extension, lateral bending and internal rotation. The specific aim of this study was to examine the precision and accuracy of stereophotogrammetry in a controlled in vitro setting, taking the surrounding soft tissue into account. The second objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different focal spot values of X-ray tubes.

Results

Overall, the precision of flexion–extension measurements was found to be better when using a 0.6 mm focal spot value rather than 1.2 mm (± 0.056° and ± 0.153°; respectively), and accuracy was also slightly better for the 0.6 mm focal spot value compared to 1.2 mm (− 0.137° and − 0.170°; respectively). The best values for precision and accuracy were obtained in lateral bending for both 0.6 mm and 1.2 mm focal spot values (precision: ± 0.019° and ± 0.015°, respectively; accuracy: − 0.041° and − 0.035°).

Conclusion

In summary, the results suggest stereophotogrammetry to be a highly precise method to analyze motion of the lumbar spine. Since precision and accuracy are better than 0.2° for both focal spot values, the choice between these is of minor clinical relevance.
Nest-site selection in a fish species with paternal care
Authors: Bakker Theo C. M. , Mundwiler Beat
Published: December 2020

Fish that perform paternal care may increase their fitness by choosing nest sites that enhance survival and development of embryos. We studied nest-site choice with respect to dissolved oxygen concentration and water temperature in males of the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), a small fish species with exclusive male parental care that usually breeds in the littoral zone of freshwaters of the Northern hemisphere. Fathers oxygenate the embryos by fanning movements of their pectoral fins. We expected choice for conditions at potential nest sites that would benefit offspring development, i.e., higher temperature and higher dissolved oxygen concentration. In the laboratory, we offered males a choice between two potential nest sites that differed in dissolved oxygen concentration or water temperature. Males preferred to build a nest at sites with a higher dissolved oxygen level or higher temperature and thus chose sites that would promote embryo development.
Melting SNOW-V: improved lightweight architectures
Authors: Caforio Andrea , Balli Fatih , Banik Subhadeep
Published: December 2020

is a stream cipher proposed by Ekdahl et al. at IACR ToSC 2019(3) with an objective to be deployed as the encryption primitive in 5G systems. The stream cipher offers 256-bit security and is ready for deployment in the post-quantum era, in which as a rule of thumb (due to Grover’s algorithm), quantum security will vary as the square root of the classical security parameters. The authors further report good software performance figures in systems supporting the instruction set. However, they only provide a theoretical analysis of the cipher’s hardware efficiency. In this paper, we aim to fill this gap. We look at the three most important metrics of hardware efficiency: area, speed and power/energy, and propose circuits that optimize each of these metrics and validate our results using three different standard cell libraries. The smallest circuit we propose occupies only around 4776 gate equivalents of silicon area. Furthermore, we also report implementations which consume as little as 12.7 pJ per 128 bits of keystream and operate at a throughput rate of more than 1 Tbps.
Dickkopf-3 in the prediction of contrast media induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Seibert Felix S. , Heringhaus Anja , Pagonas Nikolaos , Rohn Benjamin , Bauer Frederic , Trappe Hans-Joachim , Landmesser Ulf , Babel Nina , Westhoff Timm H.
Published: December 2020

Background

Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) has recently been discovered as a urinary biomarker for the prediction of acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery. This finding needs to be confirmed for AKI in other clinical settings. The present study investigates whether DKK3 can predict contrast-induced AKI (CI-AKI).

Methods

We performed a prospective study in 490 patients undergoing coronary angiography. Primary endpoint was an increase in serum creatinine concentration ≥ 0.3 mg/dl within 72 h after the procedure. DKK3 was assessed < 24 h before coronary angiography. Predictive accuracy was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

CI-AKI was observed in 30 (6.1%) patients, of whom 27 corresponded to stage I and 3 to stage II according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria. Subjects who developed CI-AKI had a 3.8-fold higher urinary DKK3/creatinine ratio than those without CI-AKI (7.5 pg/mg [interquartile range [IQR] 1.2–1392.0] vs. 2.0 pg/mg [IQR 0.9–174.0]; p = 0.047). ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.61. Among subjects without clinically overt chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] > 60 ml/min, urinary albumin creatinine ratio < 30 mg/g), the DKK3/creatinine ratio was 5.4-fold higher in those with subsequent CI-AKI (7.5 pg/mg [IQR 0.9–590.1] vs. 1.38 pg/mg [IQR 0.8–51.0]; p = 0.007; AUC 0.62). Coronary angiography was associated with a 43 times increase in the urinary DKK3/creatinine ratio.

Conclusions

Urinary DKK3 is an independent predictor of CI-AKI even in the absence of overt chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study thereby expands the findings on DKK3 in the prediction of postoperative loss of kidney function to other entities of AKI.

Graphic abstract