bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elastic, Optical, and Thermoelectric Properties of 2D Square Lattice and Hexagonal Zinc Chalcogenides under First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Roy Debesh R.
Published: June 2023

Herein, elastic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of zinc chalcogenides with 2D square lattice and hexagonal phases [s‐ and h‐ZnX (X = GrVI)] are reported. The s‐ZnX and h‐ZnX structures are achieved to be dynamically stable, according to the phonon dispersion studies. All s‐ and h‐ZnX compounds are found to be semiconductor, with direct and indirect bandgaps ranging from 0.81 to 2.77 eV under PBE and 1.70 to 4.15 eV by HSE06 calculations. The effective mass, mobility, and relaxation time of electron and hole carriers in the band structures of s‐ and h‐ZnX are investigated to gain a better insight of these materials. In addition to the phonon dispersion analysis, their mechanical stability in terms of elastic properties is evaluated, and the resulting elastic parameters validate their mechanical stability. The optical properties of s‐ and h‐ZnX are inspected in the occurrence of field polarizations across parallel and perpendicular directions. At room temperature, s‐ZnTe compound has an optimum figure of merit (ZT) value, indicating it as the superlative thermoelectric material in the entire series. These compounds may also be explored in ultraviolet lasers, solar cells, electronic image displays, high‐density optical memory, photodetectors, and solid‐state laser devices.
Transient Negative Capacitance Induced by Charged Oxygen Vacancy Drift in HfO2‐Based Films
Authors: Dong Hao , Zhang Xingwang , Cheng Yong , Wu Jinliang , Zhang Ling , Zhang Zhiwei , Yin Zhigang
Published: June 2023

Transient negative capacitance (TNC) is believed to be the key for understanding and harnessing quasistatic negative capacitance in HfO2‐based films which offers a promising solution for low‐power‐dissipation electronics, but the physical picture is still under debate. Herein, a model based on charged oxygen vacancy (VO) drift is proposed to interpret the TNC effect. The results show that TNC possibly originates from the mismatch between the charged VO drift and the compensation charge supply from external source. The model captures the main features of experimental observations, including the enhancement of both TNC voltage window and duration time with increasing series resistance. Moreover, negative slopes appear in the charge–voltage curves, without invoking the Landau–Khalatnikov scenario. It is revealed that TNC is only observable within a rather narrow charged VO concentration window near 5 × 1019 cm−3. The model manifests itself by the fact that most of the HfO2‐related films in the TNC studies are treated under nitrogen atmosphere and therefore, are oxygen deficient.
Sediment penetration performance of a portable underwater robot for core sampling
Authors: Sakagami Norimitsu , Kawabata Michitaka , Yokoi Kenshiro , Matsuda Shinji , Mitsui Atsushi , Sano Ko , Kawamura Sadao
Published: June 2023

As described in this paper, we investigate the sediment penetration performance of a portable underwater robot with a helical screw pipe using marine thrusters with limited force. First, we derive a mathematical model based on an empirical and simple method using the undrained shear strength of cohesive soil to provide a rough estimate of maximum penetration depths. Then, we perform numerical analysis for estimating the maximum depth of sediment penetration and for designing a sampling pipe. Additionally, we use experimentation to investigate the relation between the penetration depth of the helical screw pipe and the force of marine thrusters mounted on the portable underwater robot. After testing the penetration performance in a water tank, we conduct a field experiment at Lake Biwa and obtain results of the penetration depths. The maximum penetration into the lake sediment is at least 0.30 m. The results demonstrated the possibility of using the derived mathematical model to make a rough estimation of the maximum penetration depth for clay sediments. Additionally, we can use non‐powerful thrusters equipped with small autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for sediment sampling. The proposed method is also applicable for the installation of underwater sensors using small AUVs and ROVs.
The Structure, Preparation, Characterization, and Intercalation Mechanism of Layered Hydroxides Intercalated with Guest Anions
Authors: Chen Zongkun , Fan Qiqi , Huang Minghua , Cölfen Helmut
Published: June 2023

Since the intercalation of anions into layered hydroxides (LHs) has a great impact not only on their nucleation and growth but also on their structure, composition, and size, the intercalation chemistry of LHs has aroused the strong interest of researchers. However, the progress in the fundamental understanding of LHs intercalated with guest anions have not been paralleled by a concomitant development of the preparation and performance improvement of such materials. Considering the guidance of a timely in‐depth review for scientists in this area, a systematic introduction about the development that is made on the above‐mentioned issues is highly needed but yet missing so far. Herein, recent advances in understanding the chemical composition and structure of LHs intercalated with guest anions are systematically summarized. Meanwhile, typical and emerging bottom‐up synthesis methods of LHs intercalated with anions are reviewed, and the potential impact of external reaction parameters on the intercalation of anions into LHs are discussed . Besides, different analytical characterization techniques employed in the examination of guest anion‐intercalated LHs are deliberated upon. Finally, although progress is slow in exploring the intercalation mechanism, as many examples as possible are included in this review and inferred the possible intercalation mechanism.
Research Progress of Organic Field‐Effect Transistor Based Chemical Sensors
Authors: Shen Zhengqi , Huang Wei , Li Li , Li Huizi , Huang Jia , Cheng Jiangong , Fu Yanyan
Published: June 2023

Due to their high sensitivity and selectivity, chemical sensors have gained significant attention in various fields, including drug security, environmental testing, food safety, and biological medicine. Among them, organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) based chemical sensors have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional sensors, exhibiting several advantages such as multi‐parameter detection, room temperature operation, miniaturization, flexibility, and portability. This review paper presents recent research progress on OFET‐based chemical sensors, highlighting the enhancement of sensor performance, including sensitivity, selectivity, stability, etc. The main improvement programs are improving the internal and external structures of the device, as well as the organic semiconductor layer and dielectric structure. Finally, an outlook on the prospects and challenges of OFET‐based chemical sensors is presented.
All‐Scalable CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells Fabricated in Ambient Air
Authors: Ahmed Yameen , Thrithamarassery Gangadharan Deepak , Kokaba Mohammad Reza , Yeddu Vishal , Awais Muhammad , Zhang Dongyang , Kamraninejad Vahid , Saidaminov Makhsud I.
Published: June 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are an attractive emerging photovoltaic technology due to their high‐performance while being made by low‐cost fabrication processes. The most efficient PSCs are small area and made by nonscalable coating method in an inert atmosphere, but these sizes and fabrication conditions are commercially irrelevant. Herein, fabrication of PSCs is reported using only scalable methods, that is, slot‐die coating and blade coating methods, all in ambient air. The tolerance to relaxed fabrication conditions is enabled by the use of hydrated nonhalogenated lead source. Resurfacing strategy is then introduced to suppress charge carrier nonradiative recombination and obtained an efficiency of 19.91% for rigid and 17.4% for flexible PSCs by all‐scalable fabrication. To the best of our knowledge, these are the highest efficiencies for n–i–p structured MAPbI3‐based PSCs in ambient air using all‐scalable method to date. The devices showed excellent tolerance to oxygen and moisture (ISOS‐D‐1) as well as stable maximum power point operation following burn in a dry air glove box (relative humidity ≈ 20%) without encapsulation.
A bioenergetics-based index of habitat suitability: Spatial dynamics of foraging constraints and food limitation for a rare estuarine fish
Authors: Smith William E. , Nobriga Matthew L.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Habitat suitability models can guide restoration efforts in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems by synthesizing important habitat attributes in a single index. Several important elements of the foraging arena of Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus, a small, zooplanktivorous fish, were quantified using a model that combined bioenergetics with physical habitat attributes. We applied the model to evaluate spatiotemporal variation in the suitability of Delta Smelt foraging habitat as indicated by growth potential.

Methods

Bioenergetics-based estimates of daily potential growth, given constraints on daily foraging due to temperature, turbidity, day length, and prey availability, were compared to reference growth, estimated separately from length-at-age data. We defined suitable foraging arenas for Delta Smelt as times and places when potential growth equaled or exceeded reference growth.

Result

Among six contiguous regions of the upper San Francisco Estuary, temperature was consistently lowest and turbidity highest in the most seaward locations. As a result, predicted growth rates were greater there compared to landward, upstream regions that were warmer and less turbid.

Conclusion

Simulated habitat augmentation of prey and turbidity revealed that the effects of potential restoration actions could vary regionally as the factors limiting Delta Smelt foraging varied along longitudinal and seasonal gradients. Models of the spatiotemporal variation in Delta Smelt habitat may be substantially improved by directed laboratory studies; however, this research provided a data-driven example of how dynamic estuarine habitat attributes interact to influence the suitability of foraging arenas experienced by a pelagic fish.
Exponential Smoothing of Quadrature Amplitude Modulation for Power Quality Disturbance Detecting and Classification
Authors: Altintasi Cagri
Published: June 2023

In this study, exponential smoothing (ES)‐based quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) is applied to detect and classify the power quality (PQ) events with high accuracy and low complexity. Considering the IEEE‐1159 standards, in the simulation environment, 14 different power quality distortion signals are produced. Each of these signals is modulated at the fundamental frequency by QAM. The high‐frequency constituents in the in‐phase and quadratic components resulting from the QAM are filtered by the ES. PQ events are detected and classified by extracting features from the filtered in phase and quadrature component. The performance of the proposed method is examined by taking randomly selected data samples for each PQ event, and its performance is and , respectively, at noiseless and dB SNR environments. The obtained results are compared with the others in the literature for the detection and classification of PQ events, and it is shown that the proposed method has better performance in noisy and noiseless conditions. In addition, to verify that the proposed method can be applied to real systems, oscillating transitions produced by capacitor banks in Simulink environment and voltage sag and swell events are generated in experimental environment. The proposed method successfully detected and classified PQ events. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Comprehensive analysis of the prognosis and biological significance of RORβ in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Jiawen , Tang Hong , Yang Yixin , Yang Kai
Published: June 2023

Recent studies have shown that abnormal expression of the core circadian clock gene, retinoic acid‐related orphan receptor β (RORβ), is closely associated with the occurrence and progression of various malignant tumors. However, the expression and function of RORβ in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. Here, we comprehensively investigated the altered expression, clinical significance, prognostic value, and biological functions of RORβ in HNSC, as well as its correlation with changes in the tumor immune microenvironment. We found that RORβ expression was decreased in HNSC and 19 other cancers. Low RORβ expression was significantly associated with tumor size, clinical stage, and survival time in HNSC patients, indicating that it may have diagnostic and prognostic value in HNSCC. Epigenetic analysis showed that the promoter methylation level of RORβ was significantly higher in HNSCC compared to adjacent noncancerous tissues. Furthermore, RORβ hypermethylation was significantly associated with low expression levels of RORβ and poor prognosis in HNSCC patients (p < 0.05). Enrichment analysis found that RORβ was involved in immune system regulation and T‐cell activation, as well as the PI3K/AKT and ECM receptors interaction pathways. In vitro assays revealed that RORβ regulated the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of HNSCC cells. Additionally, we found that RORβ expression was significantly correlated with changes in the tumor immune microenvironment, suggesting it may affect prognosis by regulating immune infiltration in HNSC patients. Therefore, RORβ may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HNSCC patients.
Evaluation of the usage of incisional liposomal bupivacaine as a local anaesthetic for dogs undergoing limb amputation
Authors: Villatoro Ashley S , Phelps Holly A , Ganjei Justin B
Published: June 2023

Background

Bupivacaine lioposomal suspension has recently emerged in the veterinary field for local analgesia.

Objective

To describe the extra‐label administration of bupivacaine liposomal suspension at the incision site of dogs undergoing limb amputation and characterize any complications.

Study Design

Nonblinded retrospective study.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs undergoing limb amputation from 2016 to 2020.

Methods

Medical records of dogs undergoing limb amputation with concurrent use of long‐acting liposomal bupivacaine suspension were reviewed for incisional complications, adverse effects, hospitalization length, and time to alimentation. Data were compared to a control group (CG) of dogs who underwent a limb amputation procedure without concurrent use of liposomal bupivacaine suspension.

Results

Forty‐six dogs were included in the liposomal bupivacaine group (LBG) and 44 cases in the CG. The CG had 15 incidences of incisional complications (34%) compared to 6 within the LBG (13%). Four dogs required revisional surgery in the CG (9%) whereas none of the dogs required revisional surgery in the LBG. Time from surgery to discharge was statistically higher in the CG compared to the LBG (p = 0.025). First time to alimentation was statistically higher in the CG (p value = 0.0002). The total number of rechecks needed postoperatively revealed the CG having a statistically significant increase in recheck evaluations (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Extra‐label administration of liposomal bupivacaine suspension was well‐tolerated in dogs undergoing limb amputation. Liposomal bupivacaine usage did not increase incisional complication rates and its use allowed for a quicker time to discharge.

Clinical significance

Surgeons should consider inclusion of extra‐label administration of liposomal bupivacaine in analgesic regimens for dogs undergoing limb amputation.
Unilateral orchitis‐epididymitis and diffuse periorchitis in a dog due to β‐haemolytic streptococcal infection
Authors: Fuchs Kárita da Mata , de Sousa Gabriela Carneiro , Denadai Renan , de Souza Fabiana Ferreira , de Meira Cezinande
Published: June 2023

Epididymitis can be associated with orchitis and periorchitis, and can be classified as acute or chronic, and of an infectious or non‐infectious aetiology. This study aims to describe a case of orchitis‐epididymitis and diffuse periorchitis due to β‐haemolytic streptococcal infection. The dog presented at the veterinary service with an enlarged, hyperaemic scrotum with regional acute pain, lethargy and hyporexia. In the ultrasound exam, an abnormal amount of peritesticular anechoic fluid and enlargement of the left epididymis was observed. Treatment consisted of a bilateral orchiectomy and scrotal ablation. The histopathological exam indicated left orchitis‐epididymitis and diffuse periorchitis, with neutrophilic inflammatory cell infiltrate and the presence of coccoid bacteria. The microbiological exam isolated β‐haemolytic streptococci. Bilateral orchiectomy and the use of a specific antimicrobial was effective in treating the condition.
Performance Evaluation of Patch Repairs on Historic Concrete Structures (PEPS): An Overview of the Project Methodology
Authors: Wilkie Simeon , Goncalves Ana Paula Arato , Macdonald Susan , Marie-Victoire Elisabeth , Bouichou Myriam , Ducasse-Lapeyrusse Jean , Lauder Nicki , Farrell David , Gaudette Paul , Harrer Ann
Published: June 2023

The development of reinforced concrete through the 20th century has resulted in a wealth of culturally significant concrete structures around the world. However, as a relatively modern material durability issues were not fully understood at the time of construction, and many of these structures require ongoing interventions as a result. While there is now a general acceptance of the importance of concrete heritage from this era, there few widely accepted guidelines on the approach to its preservation and conservation. In particular, despite many studies and published guidance on concrete repair and the performance of concrete repairs, there are few on the long-term performance of patch repairs designed to match the aesthetic of the original while simultaneously keeping loss of the original fabric to a minimum. As a response to this challenge, three institutions, the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), Historic England (HE) and Laboratoire de Recherche des Monuments Historiques (LRMH) are collaborating on The Performance Evaluation of Patch Repairs on Historic Concrete Structures (PEPS) to produce practical guidance that will help those repairing historic concrete. This paper provides an overview of the assessment methodology that has been developed as part of this international collaboration.
Einleitung: Post-digitales Management
Authors: Baecker Dirk , Elsholz Uwe , Locher Maximilian , Thomas Martina
Published: June 2023

Post-digitales Management ist das Management der Einbettung digitaler Datenverarbeitung in analoge Prozesse. Die Einleitung erläutert die Fragestellung des Bandes und führt in die einzelnen Beiträge ein. Im Mittelpunkt steht die Entdeckung der Organisation als soziales System, die ausgerechnet dann auffällt, wenn man glaubt, es nur noch mit technischen Fragestellungen zu tun zu haben. Digitalisierung, so stellt sich heraus, kann nur vom Betrieb im Betrieb vorgenommen werden und erfordert die versammelte Intelligenz von Belegschaft, Management und Geschäftsführung. Die Einleitung erläutert wesentliche Begriffe der folgenden Untersuchungen und unterstreicht einige Ergebnisse. Sie arbeitet mit der Unterscheidung von Mensch, Technik, Organisation und Gesellschaft, ohne zu wissen, wie lange diese Unterscheidung noch Gültigkeit haben wird.
Wozu Akzeptanz? Eine Skizze
Authors: Locher Maximilian
Published: June 2023

Das Thema Akzeptanz wird auffälligerweise immer dann thematisiert, wenn man es als unattraktiv ansieht, die Nutzung von Technik und die erfolgreiche Kommunikation und Übertragung von Entscheidungen mit hierarchischer Macht durchzusetzen. Die Gründe hierfür sind vielfältig. Statt nach der Einführung neuer Techniken akzeptanzförderliche Maßnahmen aufzunehmen, bewährt es sich, bei der Entwicklung und Implementierung neuer Techniken der Digitalisierung deren schlussendliche Anwender einzubeziehen, um die Technik an deren Arbeitssituationen auszurichten. Die Frage nach der Akzeptanz erweist sich somit als ein Schlüssel zur Thematisierung betrieblicher und sozialer Prozesse und deren wechselseitige Abstimmung.
Digitalisierung als Mittler zwischen Konstruktion und Kantbank: Auswirkungen auf Arbeit und Kompetenzanforderungen
Authors: Thomas Martina , Elsholz Uwe , Neumann René , Henning Tom
Published: June 2023

Die hier vorgestellte Fallskizze beschäftigt sich mit Digitalisierungsvorhaben in einem mittelständischen Betrieb, bei deren Umsetzung jeweils Tätigkeitsanteile automatisiert werden, ohne dass damit jedoch eine Substitution von Arbeitskräften angestrebt wird. Dabei werden die Verschiebungen von Kompetenzanforderungen an die Beschäftigten in den Blick genommen. Es wird deutlich, dass mit der hier fokussierten Digitalisierungsform der Automatisierung von Tätigkeitsanteilen gleichsam Tendenzen zu einer Aufwertung wie auch zu einer Abwertung von Kompetenzprofilen einhergehen können.
Die Idee der schnittstellenübergreifenden Digitalisierung bei MultiProfil
Authors: Mathmann Andreas
Published: June 2023

In seinem Praxisbericht erläutert Andreas Mathmann, Projektleiter des mittelständischen Unternehmens MultiProfil GmbH & Co. KG, Idee und Umsetzung einer schnittstellenübergreifenden Digitalisierung. Diese verknüpft sowohl verschiedene technische Systeme als auch unterschiedliche Unternehmensbereiche miteinander, um eine transparente und sichere Auftragsabwicklung zu gewährleisten.
Asymptotically nonlocal gravity
Authors: Boos Jens , Carone Christopher D.
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Asymptotically nonlocal field theories interpolate between Lee-Wick theories with multiple propagator poles, and ghost-free nonlocal theories. Previous work on asymp- totically nonlocal scalar, Abelian, and non-Abelian gauge theories has demonstrated the existence of an emergent regulator scale that is hierarchically smaller than the lightest Lee-Wick partner, in a limit where the Lee-Wick spectrum becomes dense and decoupled. We generalize this construction to linearized gravity, and demonstrate the emergent regula- tor scale in three examples: by studying the resolution of the singularity (i) at the origin in the classical solution for the metric of a point particle, and (ii) in the nonrelativistic gravitational potential computed via a one-graviton exchange amplitude; (iii) we also show how this derived scale regulates the one-loop graviton contribution to the self energy of a real scalar field. We comment briefly on the generalization of our approach to the full, nonlinear theory of gravity.
Large primordial fluctuations in gravitational waves from phase transitions
Authors: Bodas Arushi , Sundrum Raman
Published: June 2023

Abstract

It is well-known that first-order phase transitions in the early universe can be a powerful source of observable stochastic gravitational wave backgrounds. Any such gravitational wave background must exhibit large-scale anisotropies at least as large as those seen in the CMB 10−5, providing a valuable new window onto the (inflationary) origins of primordial fluctuations. While significantly larger fractional anisotropies are possible (for example, in multi-field inflation) and would be easier to interpret, it has been argued that these can only be consistent with CMB bounds if the gravitational wave signal is correspondingly smaller. In this paper, we show that this argument, which relies on assuming radiation dominance of the very early universe, can be evaded if there is an era of early matter dominance of a certain robust type. This allows large gravitational wave anisotropies to be consistent with observable signals at proposed future gravitational wave detectors. Constraints from the CMB on large scales, as well as primordial black hole and mini-cluster formation on small scales, and secondary scalar-induced gravitational waves are all taken into account.
Light-cone sum rules for S-wave B → Kπ form factors
Authors: Descotes-Genon Sébastien , Khodjamirian Alexander , Virto Javier , Vos K. Keri
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We derive a set of light-cone sum rules relating the S-wave B → Kπ hadronic form factors to the B-meson light-cone distribution amplitudes (LCDAs), taking into account the complete set of LCDAs up to and including twist four. These results complement the sum rules for the P-wave B → Kπ form factors obtained earlier. We then use the new sum rules to estimate the S-wave contributions to B → Kπℓℓ decays as a function of the Kπ invariant mass. We pay particular attention to the fact that the S-wave Kπ spectrum cannot be modelled by a sum of Breit-Wigner resonances, and employ a more consistent dispersive coupled-channel approach. We compare our predictions for branching ratios and angular observables with LHCb measurements in two different kinematic regions, around K∗(892) and $$ {K}_0^{\ast }(1430) $$

K
0
∗

1430

. We observe an overall compatibility and discuss possible improvements of our model to obtain a better description of the B → Kπ form factors over a large kinematic range.
Intracranial Spotty Calcium Predicts Recurrent Stroke in Patients with Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis
Authors: Li Rui , Liu Moqi , Li Jialu , Jiao Xueqiao , Guo Xiuhai
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Accumulating evidence highlights the association of calcium characteristics and cardiovascular events, but its role in cerebrovascular stenosis has not been well studied. We aimed to investigate the contribution of calcium patterns and density to recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).

Methods

In this prospective study, 155 patients with symptomatic ICAS in the anterior circulation were included, and all subjects underwent computed tomography angiography. The median follow-up for all patients was 22 months and recurrent ischemic stroke were recorded. Cox regression analysis was performed to examine whether calcium patterns and density were associated with recurrent ischemic stroke.

Results

During the follow-up, 29 patients who experienced recurrent ischemic stroke were older than those without recurrent ischemic stroke (62.93 ± 8.10 years vs. 57.00 ± 12.07 years, p = 0.027). A significantly higher prevalence of intracranial spotty calcium (86.2% vs. 40.5%, p < 0.001) and very low-density intracranial calcium (72.4% vs. 37.3%, p = 0.001) were observed in patients with recurrent ischemic stroke. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that intracranial spotty calcium, rather than very low-density intracranial calcium, remained an independent predictor of recurrent ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio 5.35, 95% confidence interval 1.32–21.69, p = 0.019).

Conclusion

In patients with symptomatic ICAS, intracranial spotty calcium is an independent predictor of recurrent ischemic stroke, which will further facilitate risk stratification and suggest that more aggressive treatment should be considered for these patients.
PraeKids: Diagnoseprävalenz lebensbedrohlicher und lebensverkürzender Erkrankungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland
Authors: Burgio Nadja Melina , Jennessen Sven
Published: June 2023

Einleitung

In Deutschland wird bis dato von einer Prävalenz von ca. 50.000 Kindern und Jugendlichen ausgegangen, die mit lebensbedrohlichen und lebensverkürzenden Erkrankungen leben. Diese in der Versorgungslandschaft kommunizierte Zahl beruht auf einer Übertragung empirischer Daten aus England.

Methoden

In Zusammenarbeit mit dem Spitzenverband Bund der Krankenkassen (GKV-SV) und dem Institut für angewandte Gesundheitsforschung Berlin GmbH (InGef) wurden die Abrechnungsdaten der von den gesetzlichen Krankenkassen dokumentierten spezifischen Behandlungsdiagnosen der Jahre 2014–2019 analysiert und erstmals Prävalenzdaten von Betroffenen im Alter von 0–19 Jahren erhoben. Zudem wurden mittels der Daten von InGef die Prävalenzwerte nach Diagnosegruppierung, den Together-for-Short-Lives(TfSL)-Gruppen 1–4, und auf Grundlage der in den englischen Prävalenzstudien verwendeten (und hier aktualisierten) Kodierungsliste berechnet.

Ergebnisse

Die Datenanalyse ermöglichte die Festlegung eines Prävalenzbereichs von 319.948 (InGef – adaptierte Fraser-Liste) bis 402.058 (GKV-SV) unter Berücksichtigung der TfSL-Gruppen. Die TfSL-1-Gruppe stellt mit 190.865 Erkrankten die größte Gruppe dar.

Diskussion und Fazit

Erstmalig liegen durch diese Untersuchung für Deutschland Prävalenzwerte von 0‑ bis 19-Jährigen mit lebensbedrohlichen und lebensverkürzenden Diagnosen vor. Da sich im Forschungsdesign die Falldefinitionen und die einbezogenen Versorgungssettings (ambulant/stationär) unterscheiden, differieren die aus den Daten des GKV-SV und des InGef erhobenen Prävalenzwerte. Aufgrund der sehr heterogenen Krankheitsverläufe, Überlebenschancen und Mortalitätsraten können keine unmittelbaren Ableitungen auf palliative und hospizliche Versorgungsstrukturen getroffen werden.
Sparse sensor reconstruction of vortex-impinged airfoil wake with machine learning
Authors: Zhong Yonghong , Fukami Kai , An Byungjin , Taira Kunihiko
Published: June 2023

Reconstruction of unsteady vortical flow fields from limited sensor measurements is challenging. We develop machine learning methods to reconstruct flow features from sparse sensor measurements during transient vortex–airfoil wake interaction using only a limited amount of training data. The present machine learning models accurately reconstruct the aerodynamic force coefficients, pressure distributions over airfoil surface, and two-dimensional vorticity field for a variety of untrained cases. Multi-layer perceptron is used for estimating aerodynamic forces and pressure profiles over the surface, establishing a nonlinear model between the pressure sensor measurements and the output variables. A combination of multi-layer perceptron with convolutional neural network is utilized to reconstruct the vortical wake. Furthermore, the use of transfer learning and long short-term memory algorithm combined in the training models greatly improves the reconstruction of transient wakes by embedding the dynamics. The present machine-learning methods are able to estimate the transient flow features while exhibiting robustness against noisy sensor measurements. Finally, appropriate sensor locations over different time periods are assessed for accurately estimating the wakes. The present study offers insights into the dynamics of vortex–airfoil interaction and the development of data-driven flow estimation.

Graphic abstract
Evaluation of chronic ankle instability and subtalar instability using the angle between the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament
Authors: Kim Jiyoun , Kim Gab Lae , Kim Taeho , Cho Junghyun
Published: June 2023

Purpose

A series of studies have reported a change in the length or thickness of the anterior talofibular (ATFL) and calcaneofibular (CFL) ligaments in patients with chronic ankle instability. However, no study has examined the changes in the angle between the ATFL and CFL in patients diagnosed with chronic ankle instability. Therefore, this study analyzed the change in the angle between the ATFL and CFL in patients diagnosed with chronic ankle instability to confirm its relevance.

Methods

This retrospective study included 60 patients who had undergone surgery for chronic ankle instability. Stress radiographs comprising the anterior drawer test, varus stress test, Broden’s view stress test, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed in all patients. The angle between the ATFL and CFL was measured by indicating the vector at the attachment site, as seen on the sagittal plane. Three groups were classified according to the angle between the two ligaments measured by MRI: group I when the angle was > 90°, Group II when the angle was 71–90°, and Group III when the angle was ≤ 70°. The accompanying injuries to the subtalar joint ligament were analyzed via MRI.

Results

A comparison of the angles between the ATFL and CFL measured on MRI in Group I, Group II, and Group III with the angles measured in the operating room revealed a significant correlation. Broden’s view stress test revealed a statistically significant difference among the three groups (p < 0.05). The accompanying subtalar joint ligament injuries differed significantly among the three groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The ATFL–CFL angle in patients with ankle instability is smaller than the average angle in ordinary people. Therefore, the ATFL–CFL angle might be a reliable and representative measurement tool to assess chronic ankle instability, and subtalar joint instability should be considered if the ATFL–CFL angle is 70° or less.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Detection-only versus detection and identification of model misspecifications
Authors: Zaminpardaz Safoora , Teunissen Peter J. G.
Published: June 2023

It is common practice to use the well-known concept of the minimal detectable bias (MDB) to assess the performance of statistical testing procedures. However, such procedures are usually applied to a null and a set of multiple alternative hypotheses with the aim of selecting the most likely one. Therefore, in the DIA method for the detection, identification and adaptation of model misspecifications, rejection of the null hypothesis is followed by identification of the potential source of the model misspecification. With identification included, the MDBs do not truly reflect the capability of the testing procedure and should therefore be replaced by the minimal identifiable bias (MIB). In this contribution, we analyse the MDB and the MIB, highlight their differences, and describe their impact on the nonlinear DIA-estimator of the model parameters. As the DIA-estimator inherits all the probabilistic properties of the testing procedure, the differences in the MDB and MIB propagation will also reveal the different consequences a detection-only approach has versus a detection+identification approach. Numerical algorithms are presented for computing the MDB and the MIB and also their effect on the DIA-estimator. These algorithms are then applied to a number of examples so as to analyse and illustrate the different concepts.
A review of the current state of single-cell proteomics and future perspective
Authors: Ahmad Rushdy , Budnik Bogdan
Published: June 2023

Single-cell methodologies and technologies have started a revolution in biology which until recently has primarily been limited to deep sequencing and imaging modalities. With the advent and subsequent torrid development of single-cell proteomics over the last 5 years, despite the fact that proteins cannot be amplified like transcripts, it has now become abundantly clear that it is a worthy complement to single-cell transcriptomics. In this review, we engage in an assessment of the current state of the art of single-cell proteomics including workflow, sample preparation techniques, instrumentation, and biological applications. We investigate the challenges associated with working with very small sample volumes and the acute need for robust statistical methods for data interpretation. We delve into what we believe is a promising future for biological research at single-cell resolution and highlight some of the exciting discoveries that already have been made using single-cell proteomics, including the identification of rare cell types, characterization of cellular heterogeneity, and investigation of signaling pathways and disease mechanisms. Finally, we acknowledge that there are a number of outstanding and pressing problems that the scientific community vested in advancing this technology needs to resolve. Of prime importance is the need to set standards so that this technology becomes widely accessible allowing novel discoveries to be easily verifiable. We conclude with a plea to solve these problems rapidly so that single-cell proteomics can be part of a robust, high-throughput, and scalable single-cell multi-omics platform that can be ubiquitously applied to elucidating deep biological insights into the diagnosis and treatment of all diseases that afflict us.
Alheiras with animal fat replacement: application of a gelled emulsion based on hemp oil (Cannabis sativa L.) and buckwheat
Authors: Botella-Martínez Carmen , Fernández-López Juana , Ferreira Iasmin , Leite Ana , Vasconcelos Lia , Domínguez Rubén , Pérez-Álvarez José Ángel , Teixeira Alfredo , Viuda-Martos Manuel
Published: June 2023

A gelled emulsion elaborated using hemp seed oil and buckwheat flour was utilized as pork backfat substitute in a typical Portuguese meat product named Alheira. Three different formulations were prepared: Alheiras control (AC) with a fat content of 13%, alheiras where the 25% pork backfat was substituted with a hemp seed oil-GE (AH25), and alheiras where the 50% pork backfat was substituted with a hemp seed oil-GE (AH50). The chemical composition as well as the physicochemical properties and lipid stability of different samples were assessed. Reformulated samples showed similar protein, moisture, and fat content (p < 0.05) that AC. However, AH25 and AH50 had a higher amount of linoleic acid (16.29 and 22.14 g/100 g, respectively) and linolenic acid (1.75 and 3.45 g/100 g, respectively) than AC (12.71 and 0.51 g/100 g). Similarly, AH25 and AH50 showed lower saturated fatty acids (35.28 and 30.37 g/100 g, respectively) than AC (37.37 g/100 g). The substitution of pork backfat for hemp seed oil-GE did not modify significantly the physicochemical properties of samples. On the other hand, the lipid oxidation values increased by 30 and 65% in AH25 and AH50 respectively, in comparison to AC due to the use of polyunsaturated oils, which are highly susceptible to oxidation. This work established that the use of gelled emulsions elaborated using hemp oil and buckwheat flour may be a promising strategy to obtain meat products with a better healthier profile.
Myeloid sarcoma: more and less than a distinct entity
Authors: Loscocco Giuseppe G. , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: June 2023

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a distinct entity among myeloid neoplasms defined as a tumour mass of myeloid blasts occurring at an anatomical site other than the bone marrow, in most cases concomitant with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), rarely without bone marrow involvement. MS may also represent the blast phase of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, the clinical and molecular heterogeneity of AML, as highlighted by the 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) and International Consensus (ICC) classifications, indirectly define MS more as a set of heterogeneous and proteiform diseases, rather than a homogeneous single entity. Diagnosis is challenging and relies mainly on histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and imaging. Molecular and cytogenetic analysis of MS tissue, particularly in isolated cases, should be performed to refine the diagnosis, and thus assign prognosis guiding treatment decisions. If feasible, systemic therapies used in AML remission induction should be employed, even in isolated MS. Role and type of consolidation therapy are not univocally acknowledged, and systemic therapies, radiotherapy, or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) should be considered. In the present review, we discuss recent information on MS, focusing on diagnosis, molecular findings, and treatments also considering targetable mutations by recently approved AML drugs.
Using deep learning–derived image features in radiologic time series to make personalised predictions: proof of concept in colonic transit data
Authors: Kelly Brendan S. , Mathur Prateek , Plesniar Jan , Lawlor Aonghus , Killeen Ronan P.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Siamese neural networks (SNN) were used to classify the presence of radiopaque beads as part of a colonic transit time study (CTS). The SNN output was then used as a feature in a time series model to predict progression through a CTS.

Methods

This retrospective study included all patients undergoing a CTS in a single institution from 2010 to 2020. Data were partitioned in an 80/20 Train/Test split. Deep learning models based on a SNN architecture were trained and tested to classify images according to the presence, absence, and number of radiopaque beads and to output the Euclidean distance between the feature representations of the input images. Time series models were used to predict the total duration of the study.

Results

In total, 568 images of 229 patients (143, 62% female, mean age 57) patients were included. For the classification of the presence of beads, the best performing model (Siamese DenseNET trained with a contrastive loss with unfrozen weights) achieved an accuracy, precision, and recall of 0.988, 0.986, and 1. A Gaussian process regressor (GPR) trained on the outputs of the SNN outperformed both GPR using only the number of beads and basic statistical exponential curve fitting with MAE of 0.9 days compared to 2.3 and 6.3 days (p < 0.05) respectively.

Conclusions

SNNs perform well at the identification of radiopaque beads in CTS. For time series prediction our methods were superior at identifying progression through the time series compared to statistical models, enabling more accurate personalised predictions.

Clinical relevance statement

Our radiologic time series model has potential clinical application in use cases where change assessment is critical (e.g. nodule surveillance, cancer treatment response, and screening programmes) by quantifying change and using it to make more personalised predictions.

Key Points

• Time series methods have improved but application to radiology lags behind computer vision. Colonic transit studies are a simple radiologic time series measuring function through serial radiographs.

• We successfully employed a Siamese neural network (SNN) to compare between radiographs at different points in time and then used the output of SNN as a feature in a Gaussian process regression model to predict progression through the time series.

• This novel use of features derived from a neural network on medical imaging data to predict progression has potential clinical application in more complex use cases where change assessment is critical such as in oncologic imaging, monitoring for treatment response, and screening programmes.
From methylation to myelination: epigenomic and transcriptomic profiling of chronic inactive demyelinated multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Tiane Assia , Schepers Melissa , Reijnders Rick A. , van Veggel Lieve , Chenine Sarah , Rombaut Ben , Dempster Emma , Verfaillie Catherine , Wasner Kobi , Grünewald Anne , Prickaerts Jos , Pishva Ehsan , Hellings Niels , van den Hove Daniel , Vanmierlo Tim
Published: June 2023

In the progressive phase of multiple sclerosis (MS), the hampered differentiation capacity of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) eventually results in remyelination failure. We have previously shown that DNA methylation of Id2/Id4 is highly involved in OPC differentiation and remyelination. In this study, we took an unbiased approach by determining genome-wide DNA methylation patterns within chronically demyelinated MS lesions and investigated how certain epigenetic signatures relate to OPC differentiation capacity. We compared genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptional profiles between chronically demyelinated MS lesions and matched normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), making use of post-mortem brain tissue (n = 9/group). DNA methylation differences that inversely correlated with mRNA expression of their corresponding genes were validated for their cell-type specificity in laser-captured OPCs using pyrosequencing. The CRISPR–dCas9-DNMT3a/TET1 system was used to epigenetically edit human-iPSC-derived oligodendrocytes to assess the effect on cellular differentiation. Our data show hypermethylation of CpGs within genes that cluster in gene ontologies related to myelination and axon ensheathment. Cell type-specific validation indicates a region-dependent hypermethylation of MBP, encoding for myelin basic protein, in OPCs obtained from white matter lesions compared to NAWM-derived OPCs. By altering the DNA methylation state of specific CpGs within the promotor region of MBP, using epigenetic editing, we show that cellular differentiation and myelination can be bidirectionally manipulated using the CRISPR–dCas9-DNMT3a/TET1 system in vitro. Our data indicate that OPCs within chronically demyelinated MS lesions acquire an inhibitory phenotype, which translates into hypermethylation of crucial myelination-related genes. Altering the epigenetic status of MBP can restore the differentiation capacity of OPCs and possibly boost (re)myelination.
Greater rate of return to play and re-injury following all-inside meniscal repair compared to the inside-out technique: a systematic review
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Asparago Giovanni , Oliva Francesco , Bell Andreas , Hildebrand Frank , Maffulli Nicola
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Inside-out and all-inside arthroscopic meniscal repairs are widely performed. However, it remains unclear which method promotes greater clinical outcomes. This study compared inside-out versus all-inside arthroscopic meniscal repair in terms of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), failures, return to play, and symptoms.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Two authors independently performed the literature search by accessing the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus in February 2023. All clinical studies which investigated the outcomes of all-inside and/or inside-out meniscal repair were considered.

Results

Data from 39 studies (1848 patients) were retrieved. The mean follow-up was 36.8 (9 to 120) months. The mean age of the patients was 25.8 ± 7.9 years. 28% (521 of 1848 patients) were women. No difference was found in PROMs: Tegner Activity Scale (P = 0.4), Lysholm score (P = 0.2), and International Knee Document Committee score (P = 0.4) among patients undergoing meniscal repair with all inside or inside-out techniques. All-inside repairs showed a greater rate of re-injury (P = 0.009) but also a greater rate of return to play at the pre-injury level (P = 0.0001). No difference was found in failures (P = 0.7), chronic pain (P = 0.05), reoperation (P = 0.1) between the two techniques. No difference was found in the rate of return to play (P = 0.5) and to daily activities (P = 0.1) between the two techniques.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic all-inside meniscal repair may be of special interest in patients with a particular interest in a fast return to sport, while, for less demanding patients, the inside-out suture technique may be recommended. High-quality comparative trials are required to validate these results in a clinical setting.

Level of Evidence

Level III, systematic review.