bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying vital nodes based on reverse greedy method
Authors: Ren Tao , Li Zhe , Qi Yi , Zhang Yixin , Liu Simiao , Xu Yanjie , Zhou Tao
Published: March 2020

The identification of vital nodes that maintain the network connectivity is a long-standing challenge in network science. In this paper, we propose a so-called reverse greedy method where the least important nodes are preferentially chosen to make the size of the largest component in the corresponding induced subgraph as small as possible. Accordingly, the nodes being chosen later are more important in maintaining the connectivity. Empirical analyses on eighteen real networks show that the reverse greedy method performs remarkably better than well-known state-of-the-art methods.
Calcium mishandling in absence of primary mitochondrial dysfunction drives cellular pathology in Wolfram Syndrome
Authors: La Morgia Chiara , Maresca Alessandra , Amore Giulia , Gramegna Laura Ludovica , Carbonelli Michele , Scimonelli Emanuela , Danese Alberto , Patergnani Simone , Caporali Leonardo , Tagliavini Francesca , Del Dotto Valentina , Capristo Mariantonietta , Sadun Federico , Barboni Piero , Savini Giacomo , Evangelisti Stefania , Bianchini Claudio , Valentino Maria Lucia , Liguori Rocco , Tonon Caterina , Giorgi Carlotta , Pinton Paolo , Lodi Raffaele , Carelli Valerio
Published: March 2020

Wolfram syndrome (WS) is a recessive multisystem disorder defined by the association of diabetes mellitus and optic atrophy, reminiscent of mitochondrial diseases. The role played by mitochondria remains elusive, with contradictory results on the occurrence of mitochondrial dysfunction. We evaluated 13 recessive WS patients by deep clinical phenotyping, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), serum lactic acid at rest and after standardized exercise, brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and brain and muscle Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). Finally, we investigated mitochondrial bioenergetics, network morphology, and calcium handling in patient-derived fibroblasts. Our results do not support a primary mitochondrial dysfunction in WS patients, as suggested by MRS studies, OCT pattern of retinal nerve fiber layer loss, and, in fibroblasts, by mitochondrial bioenergetics and network morphology results. However, we clearly found calcium mishandling between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, which, under specific metabolic conditions of increased energy requirements and in selected tissue or cell types, may turn into a secondary mitochondrial dysfunction. Critically, we showed that Wolframin (WFS1) protein is enriched at mitochondrial-associated ER membranes and that in patient-derived fibroblasts WFS1 protein is completely absent. These findings support a loss-of-function pathogenic mechanism for missense mutations in WFS1, ultimately leading to defective calcium influx within mitochondria.
microRNA-670 modulates Igf2bp1 expression to regulate RNA methylation in parthenogenetic mouse embryonic development
Authors: Hao Jindong , Hu Haobo , Jiang Ziping , Yu Xianfeng , Li Chengshun , Chen Lin , Xia Yidan , Liu Da , Wang Dongxu
Published: March 2020

Aberrant epigenetic modification, including N6-methylation of adenosine (m6A), has been frequently reported in embryos derived from parthenogenetic activation (PA). However, the role of Igf2bp1 expression pattern in m6A modification and the mechanism through which Igf2bp1 function is regulated in PA embryos remains elusive. Therefore, in this study, using si-Igf2bp1 and betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine, a major methyl donor), we investigated the effect of Igf2bp1 expression in m6A modification on the development of PA embryos. The results indicated that the down-regulation of Igf2bp1 reduced the cleavage and blastula rates of PA embryos. Moreover, m6A expression level was markedly down-regulated following microinjection with si-Igf2bp1. However, the treatment with betaine could significantly restore the m6A level. Further bioinformatics analysis revealed Igf2bp1 as the putative target of microRNA 670 (miR-670). Thus, to confirm this finding, mimics and inhibitor of miR-670 were microinjected into PA embryos. The results demonstrated that miR-670 inhibitor augmented the expression of Igf2bp1 and rescued cleavage and blastula rates. In addition, the miR-670 inhibitor promoted the m6A expression level. TUNEL assay revealed a loss of expression of Igf2bp1 induced cell apoptosis in PA embryos. Taken together, these results demonstrated that miR-670-3p functions as the regulator of Igf2bp1 expression and plays a crucial role in PA development through m6A modification.
In vivo dynamic analysis of BMP-2-induced ectopic bone formation
Authors: Hashimoto Kunihiko , Kaito Takashi , Furuya Masayuki , Seno Shigeto , Okuzaki Daisuke , Kikuta Junichi , Tsukazaki Hiroyuki , Matsuda Hideo , Yoshikawa Hideki , Ishii Masaru
Published: March 2020

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 plays a central role in bone-tissue engineering because of its potent bone-induction ability. However, the process of BMP-induced bone formation in vivo remains poorly elucidated. Here, we aimed to establish a method for intravital imaging of the entire process of BMP-2-induced ectopic bone formation. Using multicolor intravital imaging in transgenic mice, we visualized the spatiotemporal process of bone induction, including appearance and motility of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, angiogenesis, collagen-fiber formation, and bone-mineral deposition. Furthermore, we investigated how PTH1-34 affects BMP-2-induced bone formation, which revealed that PTH1-34 administration accelerated differentiation and increased the motility of osteoblasts, whereas it decreased morphological changes in osteoclasts. This is the first report on visualization of the entire process of BMP-2-induced bone formation using intravital imaging techniques, which, we believe, will contribute to our understanding of ectopic bone formation and provide new parameters for evaluating bone-forming activity.
PBRM1 mutation and preliminary response to immune checkpoint blockade treatment in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhou Huaqiang , Liu Jiaqing , Zhang Yaxiong , Huang Yan , Shen Jiayi , Yang Yunpeng , Fang Wenfeng , Zhang Li
Published: March 2020

Polybromo-1 (PBRM1) gene is a promising biomarker for immunotherapy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. But to our knowledge, the frequency and clinical relevance of PBRM1 mutation in lung cancer remain unknown. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the prevalence of PBRM1 mutation and its correlation with preliminary response to immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our results indicated that PBRM1 mutation was more likely to be a negative predictive biomarker for immunotherapy in NSCLC.
Giant fractional Shapiro steps in anisotropic Josephson junction arrays
Authors: Panghotra R. , Raes B. , de Souza Silva Clécio C. , Cools I. , Keijers W. , Scheerder J. E. , Moshchalkov V. V. , Van de Vondel J.
Published: March 2020

Giant fractional Shapiro steps have been observed in Josephson junction arrays as resulting from magnetic flux quantization in the two-dimensional array. We demonstrate experimentally the appearance of giant fractional Shapiro steps in anisotropic Josephson junction arrays as unambiguous evidence of a skewed current phase relationship. Introducing anisotropy in the array results in a giant collective high frequency response that reflects the properties of a single junction, as evidenced by the observation of a Fraunhofer like magnetic field dependence of the total critical current of the system. The observed phase dynamics can be perfectly captured within an extended resistively shunted Josephson junction model. These results directly indicate the potential of Josephson junction arrays to explore the current phase relation in a very broad frequency range (down to 50 MHz) and in a wide variety of novel link materials exhibiting non-conventional current phase relationships.
Categorization of atomic mixing patterns in bimetallic nanoparticles by the energy competition
Authors: Yun Kayoung , Nam Ho-Seok , Kim Seungchul
Published: March 2020

The competition between mixing energy and surface energy determines atomic mixing pattern of bimetallic nanoparticles.
Electron injection effect in In2O3 and SnO2 nanocrystals modified by ruthenium heteroleptic complexes
Authors: Tokarev Sergey , Rumyantseva Marina , Nasriddinov Abulkosim , Gaskov Alexander , Moiseeva Anna , Fedorov Yuri , Fedorova Olga , Jonusauskas Gediminas
Published: March 2020

In this work, the optical characteristics and conductivity under photoactivation with visible light of hybrids based on nanocrystalline SnO2 or In2O3 semiconductor matrixes and heteroleptic Ru(ii) complexes were studied.
Potentiating anti-cancer chemotherapeutics and antimicrobials via sugar-mediated strategies
Authors: Mullapudi Sneha Sree , Mitra Debirupa , Li Min , Kang En-Tang , Chiong Edmund , Neoh Koon Gee
Published: March 2020

This article reviews the design considerations behind sugar-mediated strategies for potentiating the efficacy of drugs/photosensitizers in cancer treatment, and antimicrobials.
Low-damping flexible Y3Fe5O12 thin films for tunable RF/microwave processors
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Li Yaojin , Zhou Ziyao , Peng Renci , Zhu Shukai , Yao Mouteng , Peng Bin , Zhao Yifan , Cheng Yuxin , Tian Bian , Hu Zhongqiang , Ye Zuo-Guang , Jiang Zhuangde , Liu Ming
Published: March 2020

A large out-of-plane FMR shift (180 Oe/550 MHz) was observed in flexible YIG/mica thin films, which for the first time involves a flexible tunable factor f(R) in the theoretical analysis.
Inert macrocyclic Eu3+ complex with affirmative paraCEST features
Authors: Gambino Tanja , Valencia Laura , Pérez-Lourido Paulo , Esteban-Gómez David , Zaiss Moritz , Platas-Iglesias Carlos , Angelovski Goran
Published: March 2020

Highly kinetically inert paramagnetic platform shows outstanding CEST properties suitable for advantageous MRI applications.
A new structure family of oxide-ion conductors based on BaGdInO4
Authors: Yaguchi Hiroshi , Fujii Kotaro , Yashima Masatomo
Published: March 2020

We prepared new materials BaGdInO4 and BaGd0.9A0.1InO3.95 (A = Mg, Ca, Sr) for the first time. These oxides belong to a new structure family of one-dimensional oxide-ion conductors and exhibit conductivities comparable to BaNdInO4-based oxides.
Twisted acceptors in the design of deep-blue TADF emitters: crucial role of excited-state relaxation in the photophysics of methyl-substituted s-triphenyltriazine derivatives
Authors: Serdiuk Illia E. , Ryoo Chi Hyun , Kozakiewicz Karol , Mońka Michał , Liberek Beata , Park Soo Young
Published: March 2020

A series of twisted triaryl-s-triazine derivatives are used as acceptor fragments in design of deep-blue TADF emitters for OLED. Comprehensive photophysical investigations indicate high impact of structural relaxation on the TADF color and efficiency.
Formation of resonances and anionic fragments upon electron attachment to benzaldehyde
Authors: Ameixa J. , Arthur-Baidoo E. , Pereira-da-Silva J. , Ryszka M. , Carmichael I. , Cornetta L. M. , do N. Varella M. T. , Ferreira da Silva F. , Ptasińska S. , Denifl S.
Published: March 2020

In the present study, we investigated the formation of negative ions following electron attachment to benzaldehyde in the gas-phase.
Hierarchical porous ZIF-8 for hydrogen production via the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride
Authors: Abdelhamid Hani Nasser
Published: March 2020

Terephthalic acid (TPA) is used for the synthesis of hierarchical porous zeolitic imidazolate framework (HPZIF-8) which shows high catalytic activity for the hydrolysis of NaBH4 (2333 mLH2 min−1 gcat−1).
Structural, magnetic, redox and theoretical characterization of seven-coordinate first-row transition metal complexes with a macrocyclic ligand containing two benzimidazolyl N-pendant arms
Authors: Drahoš Bohuslav , Císařová Ivana , Laguta Oleksii , Santana Vinicius T. , Neugebauer Petr , Herchel Radovan
Published: March 2020

Structural, magnetic and redox properties of pentagonal bipyramidal late-first-row transition metal complexes of a benzimidazole-based macrocyclic ligand were thoroughly investigated with help of theoretical calculations.
Mitochondria-localizing dicarbohydrazide Ln complexes and their mechanism of in vitro anticancer activity
Authors: Meng Ting , Liu Tong , Qin Qi-Pin , Chen Zi-Lu , Zou Hua-Hong , Wang Kai , Liang Fu-Pei
Published: March 2020

Dicarbohydrazide Ln complexes trigger SK-OV-3/DDP cell apoptosis via a mitochondrial dysfunction pathway.
Tunable carbocation-based redox active ambiphilic ligands: synthesis, coordination and characterization
Authors: Mei Liangyong , Veleta José M. , Bloch Jan , Goodman Hannah J. , Pierce-Navarro Dominic , Villalobos Alejandro , Gianetti Thomas L.
Published: March 2020

Synthesis of carbenium-based ligands that are ambiphilic, redox active, and easily tunable along with their coordination to Co(ii) and Ni(ii).
Introduction of organogermyl functionalities to cage silsesquioxanes
Authors: Grzelak Magdalena , Frąckowiak Dawid , Januszewski Rafał , Marciniec Bogdan
Published: March 2020

The first example of platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation of vinyl- and allylgermanes with different types of silsesquioxanes and spherosilicates has been presented.
Raman spectroscopy of GaSe and InSe post-transition metal chalcogenides layers
Authors: Molas Maciej R. , Tyurnina Anastasia V. , Zólyomi Viktor , Ott Anna K. , Terry Daniel J. , Hamer Matthew J. , Yelgel Celal , Babiński Adam , Nasibulin Albert G. , Ferrari Andrea C. , Fal’ko Vladimir I. , Gorbachev Roman
Published: March 2020

We investigate exfoliated layers of InSe and GaSe ranging from bulk crystals down to monolayer, encapsulated in hexagonal boron nitride, using Raman spectroscopy.
Helical nanostructures for organic electronics: the role of topological sulfur in ad hoc synthesized dithia[7]helicenes studied in the solid state and on a gold surface
Authors: Baciu Bianca C. , de Ara Tamara , Sabater Carlos , Untiedt Carlos , Guijarro Albert
Published: March 2020

As the first of a series of molecular solenoids, two classes of coil-shaped molecules (dithia[7]helicenes) have been designed and synthesized to be used in molecular electronics.
Prudent electrochemical pretreatment to promote the OER by catalytically inert “Iron incorporated metallic Ni nanowires” synthesized via the “non-classical” growth mechanism
Authors: Praveen Athma E. , Ganguli Sagar , Mahalingam Venkataramanan
Published: March 2020

This study provides new insight towards the non-classical “amorphous to crystalline” growth mechanism for metal nanowire synthesis and reports an electrochemical strategy to activate inactive materials into efficient electrocatalysts for the OER.
Spontaneous oxidative cyclisations of 1,3-dihydroxy-4-dimethylallylnaphthalene to tricyclic derivatives
Authors: Wang Jinglin , Ran Huomiao , Xie Xiulan , Wang Kaiping , Li Shu-Ming
Published: March 2020

Radical-involved spontaneous oxidative cyclisations of 1,3-dihydroxy-4-dimethylallylnaphthalene are reported.
Dispersing nano- and micro-sized portlandite particulates via electrosteric exclusion at short screening lengths
Authors: Timmons Jason , Mehdipour Iman , Gao Shang , Atahan Hakan , Neithalath Narayanan , Bauchy Mathieu , Garboczi Edward , Srivastava Samanvaya , Sant Gaurav
Published: March 2020

Coulombic repulsion alone is insufficient to mitigate aggregation of suspensions with strong charge screening, while superior interparticle separations are created via steric hindrance when dispersant layer thickness exceeds the Debye length.
Achieving over 21% efficiency in inverted perovskite solar cells by fluorinating a dopant-free hole transporting material
Authors: Wan Li , Zhang Wenxiao , Fu Sheng , Chen Lijun , Wang Yueming , Xue Zhongyuan , Tao Youtian , Zhang Wenjun , Song Weijie , Fang Junfeng
Published: March 2020

PFDT-COOH and PFDT-2F-COOH were developed as dopant-free hole transporting materials for inverted PSCs. The PFDT-2F-COOH device obtained a high PCE of 21.68% due to the fluorination effect.
High-performance asymmetric isoporous nanocomposite membranes with chemically-tailored amphiphilic nanochannels
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Rahman Md. Mushfequr , Abetz Clarissa , Abetz Volker
Published: March 2020

An isoporous nanocomposite membrane is fabricated and displays the potential to separate small molecules with good antifouling and high permeance.
Molecular simulations and understanding of antifouling zwitterionic polymer brushes
Authors: Liu Yonglan , Zhang Dong , Ren Baiping , Gong Xiong , Xu Lijian , Feng Zhang-Qi , Chang Yung , He Yi , Zheng Jie
Published: March 2020

Zwitterionic materials demonstrate the strong surface hydration to empower their antifouling property.
Improved microwave absorption performance of a multi-dimensional Fe2O3/CNTCM@CN assembly achieved by enhanced dielectric relaxation
Authors: Yu Xuefeng , Zhang Ying , Wang Lei , Xing Linshen , You Wenbin , Liu Jiwei , Chen Guanyu , Ding Guangzhou , Ding Jingjun , Liu Xianhu , Wang Min , Che Renchao
Published: March 2020

The novel multi-dimensional hollow Fe2O3/CNTCM@CN-2 hybrid microspheres fabricated by the forcible assembly of 0D nanoparticles, 1D CNTs, and 2D N-doped carbon layers are favorable for achieving superior microwave absorption performance.
Preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index predicts prognosis and guides clinical treatment in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yan Xue , Li Guowei
Published: March 2020

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of a systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and the relationship between SII and the effectiveness of postoperative treatment in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: A total of 538 patients diagnosed with NSCLC who had undergone curative surgery were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Clinicopathologic and laboratory variables were collected. SII was defined as neutrophil × platelet/lymphocyte counts. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the prognostic value of these factors.

Results: The preoperative SII level was associated with sex, smoking history, histological type, lesion type, resection type, pathological stage, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR), fibrinogen and bone metastasis (P<0.05). The univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that SII was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival (DFS, P=0.033) and overall survival (OS, P=0.020). Furthermore, the prognostic value of SII was also verified regardless of the histological type and pathological stage. The subgroup analysis demonstrated that patients with a high SII may benefit from adjuvant therapy (P=0.024 for DFS and P=0.012 for OS).

Conclusion: An increased preoperative SII may independently predict the poor DFS and OS in patients with resectable NSCLC. SII may help select NSCLC patients who might benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
Modelling hystereses observed during dwarf nova outbursts
Authors: Hameury J.-M. , Knigge C. , Lasota J.-P. , Hambsch F.-J. , James R.
Published: March 2020

Context. Although the disc instability model is widely accepted as the explanation for dwarf nova outbursts, it is still necessary to compare its predictions to observations because many of the constraints on angular momentum transport in accretion discs are derived from the application of this model to real systems.

Aims. We test the predictions of the model concerning the multicolour time evolution of outbursts for two well-observed systems, SS Cyg and VW Hyi.

Methods. We calculate the multicolour evolution of dwarf nova outbursts using the disc instability model and taking into account the contribution from the irradiated secondary, the white dwarf and the hot spot.

Results. Observations definitely show the existence of a hysteresis in the optical colour–magnitude diagram during the evolution of dwarf nova outbursts. We find that the disc instability model naturally explains the existence and the orientation of this hysteresis. For the specific cases of SS Cyg and VW Hyi, the colour and magnitude ranges covered during the evolution of the system are in reasonable agreement with observations. However, the observed colours are bluer than observed near the peak of the outbursts, as in steady systems, and the amplitude of the hysteresis cycle is smaller than observed. The predicted colours significantly depend on the assumptions made for calculating the disc spectrum during rise, and on the magnitude of the secondary irradiation for the decaying part of the outburst.

Conclusions. Improvements in the spectral disc models are strongly needed if the system evolution in the UV is to be addressed.
Modélisation par la méthode des éléments finis avec onelab
Authors: Demesy Guillaume , Nicolet André , Zolla Frédéric , Geuzaine Christophe
Published: March 2020

Nous présentons ici le logiciel open source ONELAB de modélisation numérique par la méthode des éléments finis pour les applications photoniques. Nous illustrons à l’aide de quelques exemples une bibliothèque évolutive de modèles paramétrables couvrant une large gamme de dispositifs rencontrés en nanophotonique. Celle-ci permet d’aborder facilement la simulation d’applications réalistes tout en permettant au spécialiste de développer ses propres modèles avancés.
Qualität der Therapie von
Speicheldrüsenerkrankungen
Authors: Guntinas-Lichius Orlando
Published: March 2020

Die Behandlung von Speicheldrüsenerkrankungen stellt ein wichtiges
Segment der HNO-Heilkunde dar. Von der Vielzahl von
Speicheldrüsenerkrankungen sieht der einzelne HNO-Arzt allerdings
möglicherweise nur wenige Fälle pro Jahr und chirurgische oder
endoskopisch minimal-invasive Therapiekonzepte spielen eine wichtige Rolle.
Daher kann der Erkenntnisgewinn nicht nur von prospektiven klinischen Studien
getragen werden, sondern heute im Wesentlichen durch Meta-Analysen und
potentiell auch von Registerdaten. Während eine Vielzahl guter
Indikatoren vorhanden ist, um die Funktion der erkrankten Speicheldrüse
und deren Besserung unter Therapie zu messen, sind Patient-reported outcome
measures (PROMs) bislang nicht ausreichend entwickelt worden. Es ist zu
fordern, dass diese Indikatoren auch konsequent in klinischen Studien eingesetzt
werden. Perspektivisch könnten dieselben Indikatoren auch für
Qualitätskontrollen in der ambulanten und stationären Routine
angewandt werden. Die Rahmenbedingungen für einen qualitativ
hochwertigen Wissenserwerb sind durch die HNO-Facharzt-Ausbildung, die
Verpflichtung der Weiterbildung und durch zertifizierte
Speicheldrüsen-Kurse prinzipiell sehr gut, die Vorgaben für
spezifische Qualitätsstandards für die Behandlung von Patienten
sind jedoch wenig ausgearbeitet. In Abgrenzung zu anderen Fachgebieten, die sich
mit Speicheldrüsenerkrankungen beschäftigen, sollte die
HNO-Heilkunde Standards mit hoher Qualitätsforderung für die
Behandlung von Patienten mit Speicheldrüsenerkrankungen entwickeln.
Qualitätsmanagement in der HNO – eine
Standortbestimmung
Authors: Wallner Frank
Published: March 2020

Um mit der Unvollkommenheit ärztlichen Handelns umzugehen, gibt es neben
gesellschaftlichen Sanktionen schon seit der Antike ethische Verhaltensvorgaben
für Ärzte, die unser heutiges Verständnis von einem guten Arzt
geformt haben. Mit Industrialisierung und Standardisierung wurde vor 100 Jahren in den USA
der Grundstein für Qualitätsmanagement in der Medizin gelegt. In den
1950ern entstand in Japan ein umfassendes Qualitätskonzept, dass großen
Einfluss auf die Medizin gewinnen sollte. Alle heutigen Zertifizierungs- und
Akkreditierungsverfahren gehen aus diesen Wurzeln hervor.

Seit 15 Jahren knüpft der Gesetzgeber in Deutschland ein immer feineres Netz an
Regularien, um durch externe Qualitätssicherung Mindeststandards im
Gesundheitswesen zu gewährleisten. Ärztliche Institutionen der
Selbstverwaltung verbessern darüber hinaus durch eigene Initiativen die
Behandlungsqualität.

Qualitätsmanagement hat dauerhaft Einzug gehalten in Krankenhäuser und
Praxen, zu erkennen an Risikomanagement und Patientenorientierung. Daneben gibt es eine
Vielzahl an freiwilligen ärztlichen Initiativen zur Qualitätssicherung,
z. B. die Leitlinien der ärztlichen Fachgesellschaften.

Per Umfrage wurde die Implementation eines Qualitätsmanagementsystems in
deutschen HNO-Kliniken und -Praxen evaluiert und mit dem Bundesdurchschnitt verglichen. Es
fand sich überwiegend eine umfassendere Umsetzung als in den
Vergleichsgruppen.

Die aktuellen Herausforderungen an Kliniken und Praxen sind erheblich und haben
Auswirkungen auf das Qualitätsniveau. Unterfinanzierung, Personalmangel und
gesellschaftliche Veränderungen sind hier genauso relevant wie Auswirkungen des
wissenschaftlichen Fortschritts.

Um Qualitätsmanagement zukünftig umfassend zu implementieren, sind kluge
politische Weichenstellungen und Ressourcen entscheidend – das Konzept an sich hat
sich längst durchgesetzt.
Welche Qualität macht den Unterschied in der Cochlea-Implantat-Versorgung?
Authors: Stöver Timo , Leinung Martin , Loth Andreas
Published: March 2020

Die Cochlea-Implantat (CI)-Versorgung hat seit ihrer Einführung eine
nicht zu erwartende Entwicklung und Verbreitung erfahren. Neben den
technischen Möglichkeiten hat sich auch die Indikationsstellung
deutlich gewandelt. Beispiele hierfür sind die Versorgung sehr
junger oder sehr alter Menschen, die bilaterale Versorgung oder auch die
Nutzung des Restgehörs für eine kombiniert
elektrisch-akustische Stimulation (EAS). Diese Entwicklung ist weiterhin
sehr dynamisch und bietet enorme Möglichkeiten für die
Hörrehabilitation betroffener Patienten. Sie stellt aber
gleichzeitig auch erhebliche Ansprüche an die Sicherstellung einer
qualitativ am Optimum orientierten Versorgung der Leistungserbringer. In den
letzten Jahren hat eine intensive Diskussion stattgefunden, die die
Zielsetzung hatte, Qualitätsparameter zu definieren, die als
Eckpunkte einer CI-Versorgung dienen sollten. Diese orientierten sich
zunächst an der Beschreibung eines festgelegten Ablaufs einer
CI-Versorgung und damit an den Teilaspekten einer Prozess-, Struktur- und
Ergebnisqualität zur Qualitätssicherung. Praktische
Umsetzung erfuhren diese Erwägungen u. a. in dem
„Weißbuch CI-Versorgung“ und dem Konzept eines
„Nationalen CI-Registers“ der DGHNO-KHC. Neben einer
inhaltlich orientierten, innerhalb der Fachgesellschaft DGNHNO-KHC
geführten Diskussion, zeigen inzwischen auch Kostenträger
Ansätze, auf den Prozess einer CI-Versorgung Einfluss zu nehmen
(QuInCI-Initiative der Techniker Krankenkasse). Auch von Seiten des
Gesetzgebers sind hierzu Maßnahmen in Vorbereitung, die die
CI-Versorgung unmittelbar betreffen werden
(„Implantateregister-Gesetz“). Die hier vorgelegte Arbeit
soll den derzeitigen Wissensstand der Qualitätssicherung in der
CI-Versorgung darstellen und eine Standortbestimmung für Deutschland
im Vergleich zu anderen Ländern vornehmen.
Qualität in der Mittelohrchirurgie – eine kritische
Standortbestimmung
Authors: Neudert Marcus
Published: March 2020

Zur Ergebnisbewertung der rekonstruktiven Mittelohrchirurgie nur die erzielte
Verbesserung audiometrischer Messergebnisse heranzuziehen greift zu kurz.
Auch wenn sie als funktionelle Parameter eine zentrale Stellung in der
Therapiebewertung des Sinnesohrgans Ohr einnehmen, müssen sie
für die moderne Qualitätsbeschreibung um eine Reihe von
Faktoren ergänzt werden. Dabei sind die z. T. unterschiedlichen
Perspektiven, aus denen ein qualitativ gutes Ergebnis bewertet wird, zu
berücksichtigen. Aus Sicht des Patienten sind andere Faktoren
ausschlaggebend als für den Arzt, für den Arzt wiederum
andere als für die Kostenträger und die internationale
otologische Gemeinschaft, die anhand von Ergebnissen gesicherte Erkenntnisse
aus mittelohrchirurgischen Studiendaten ziehen möchte, setzt wieder
andere Kriterien an, um die Qualität zu bewerten.

Dazu wird der allgemeine Qualitätsbegriff auf die Mittelohrchirurgie
adaptiert. Zudem muss er auf unterschiedlichen Ebenen gedacht und die
chirurgische Therapie von Mittelohrerkrankungen als ganzer Prozess
verstanden werden. Damit fallen neue Aspekte in die
Qualitätsbewertung, die eine strukturierte Beschreibung und
Erfassung krankheitsspezifischer Symptome, Befunde und das
Behandlungsergebnis umfassen. Auch die Nutzung international anerkannter
Klassifizierungssysteme, um die eigenen Ergebnisse nicht nur publizierbar
sondern auch Meta-Analyse-fähig zu machen muss in der heutigen Zeit
als ein Qualitätsmerkmal angesehen werden. Hierzu stehen
international erarbeitete und anerkannte Berichtssysteme zur
Verfügung. Ihre Anwendung in der Routineversorgung macht die
erhobenen Daten dabei nicht nur international vergleichbar, sondern
ermöglicht auch die systematische Bewertung innerhalb einer
Institution zur Qualitätsbeschreibung.

Neben audiologischen Messergebnissen werden chirurgische
Qualitätsindikatoren betrachtet. Dabei wird der Blick auch auf
eintretende Komplikationen und den Wert systematischer und strukturierter
Erfassungssysteme gerichtet. Für die Nutzenbewertung durch die
Patienten stehen mittlerweile validierte Messinstrumente zur
Verfügung, deren Einsatz nicht mehr auf wissenschaftliche Studien
beschränkt sein sollte. Zusammenfassend soll die
Qualitätsbewertung nicht nur auf den „Patienten als
Ganzes“, sondern auch den „Therapieprozess als
Ganzes“, mit Einbeziehung von Merkmalen der Struktur- und
Prozessqualität, ausgedehnt werden.
Vom Marianischen Spital zum Prinzenkarneval
Authors: Hardinghaus Christian
Published: March 2020

Bevor der wohlhabende Kaufmann Johann von Wespien, ehemaliger Bürgermeister der Stadt Aachen, im Jahr 1759 kinderlos verstarb, verabredete er mit seiner Frau Anna Maria, was sie alles mit dem ihr vermachten, beträchtlichen Vermögen anzustellen habe. Unter anderem erhielt sie den Auftrag, eine eigene Klinik für 12 kranke und arme Männer aus beiderseitigen Familien zu eröffnen, die in vertrauter Umgebung nah ihrer Angehörigen behandelt werden sollten. Zu dieser Zeit existierte dort nämlich nur eines für arme Frauen: das bereits 1336 gegründete Elisabeth-Hospital. Anna von Wespien folgte den Wünschen ihres Mannes und konnte 1769 das Marianische Spital für Männer hundert Meter neben dem Elisabeth Hospital noch selbst einweihen. Einige sehen den gemeinnützigen Zweck der Wespiens als Gründungsmythos des Universitätsklinikums Aachens an. Aus 12 Betten für Arme sind inzwischen etwa 1500 für alle geworden. Mit seinen 34 Fachkliniken und 27 angegliederten Instituten gehört der in die Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen eingegliederte medizinische Komplex zu den größten Europas. 7000 Mitarbeiter tun hier Dienst und folgen den Spuren dutzender namhafter Mediziner.
Editorial Referateband 2020
Authors: Dietz Andreas
Published: March 2020

Liebe Kolleginnen, liebe Kollegen,

es freut mich außerordentlich, Ihnen den Referateband zur 91.
Jahresversammlung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für
Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie vorzustellen zu
dürfen: Welche – Qualität macht den Unterschied? Die
Eingrenzung von Qualitätsmerkmalen im Rahmen der
Effektivitätsbewertung verschiedener Therapiegebiete der HNO-Heilkunde
nimmt mittlerweile breiten Raum in der Darstellung unseres Faches ein. Dies
beschränkt sich nicht allein auf die Nutzenbewertungsbetrachtungen des
Gemeinsamen Bundesausschusses (G-BA) oder von Kostenträgern angestrengte
Regulierungsinstrumentarien, sondern erstreckt sich über die Leitlinien
bis hin zu dem anspruchsvollen Begriff der Evidenz. In Abgrenzung des Begriffs
„Evidenz“ berührt der Qualitätsbegriff ungleich
mehr, da er sich aus ärztlicher Sicht auf die Struktur der
Leistungserbringung, die Güte der Ausbildung des ärztlichen und
Fachpersonals, das Gesamtpaket der Vor- und Nachbehandlung und auf den in vielen
Behandlungsfeldern wichtigen Begriff der Interdisziplinarität
erstreckt.
LAA-Okkluder und PFO-Verschluss
Authors: Ajmi Issameddine , Mahnkopf Christian , Sinani Muhamet , Brachmann Johannes , Schnupp Steffen
Published: March 2020

Der interventionelle perkutane Vorhofohrverschluss (LAAC) bietet eine Alternative für Ärzte, die einer komplizierten Nutzen-Risiko-Analyse bei Patienten mit Vorhofflimmern (VHF) gegenüberstehen, die aufgrund ihres Schlaganfallrisikos eine orale Antikoagulation (OAK) erhalten sollten, aber auch ein hohes Blutungsrisiko haben. Eine Steigerung dieses Bewusstseins in verschiedenen medizinischen Disziplinen hinweg könnte eine alternative Strategie zur Schlaganfallprävention für Patienten darstellen, die derzeit nicht ausreichend geschützt sind.
Dig & Delve into Protein Based Nanoformulations
Authors: Shariq Mohammad , Parveen Saba , Shamim Arshiya , Ahsan Farogh , Kushwaha Poonam , Mahmood Tarique
Published: March 2020

Past few decades have emerged as the era of nanotechnology worldwide leading to an extensive research in pharmaceutical science as well as other fields. Nanoformulations have shown a promising future in therapeutics and theronostics. Protein based nanoformulations attracting attention in research as it can be used as therapeutics as well as carrier. Carrier based protein nanoformulatios are capable of accommodating range of therapeutics such as dyes, drugs, contrast agents and inorganic nanoclusters makings its application vast. The nano size of formulation enables it to reach the desired places by some modification. This paper reviewed the various protein based nanoformulation. Human serum albumin, Bovine serum albumin, soy protein isolate, phycocyanin, casein, bromelein, collagen and sericin based nanoformulations are briefly discussed. Various limitations of these proteins can be diminished by developing it in nano form and emerged as promising candidate as carrier as well as therapeutics in drug delivery advancements.
Recent Advances in Synthetic Strategies to 2,3-Dihydrobenzofurans
Authors: Lupattelli Paolo , Laurita Teresa , D’Orsi Rosarita , Chiummiento Lucia , Funicello Maria
Published: March 2020

This review gives an overview on recent developments in methods for the construction of compounds with the 2,3-dihydrobenzo­furan core in the period 2012 to 2019. Interest in 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans is constantly increasing. The methods are divided into intermolecular and intramolecular approaches. Intermolecular approaches are subdivided according to the parent intermediate for the key reaction, while intermolecular approaches are subdivided according by which bond is formed in the key reaction. The transformation of benzofurans to dihydrobenzofurans and other miscellaneous methods are also discussed. Approaches useful for the synthesis of natural products are emphasized.

1 Introduction

2 Intermolecular Approaches

2.1 o-Quinone Methides and o-Quinones

2.2 p-Quinone Methides and p-Quinones

2.3 Nitrogen-Containing Phenols and Quinones

2.4 o-Hydroxyphenylcarbonyl Derivatives and Phenols

2.5 Miscellaneous

3 Intramolecular Approaches

3.1 O–C2 Bond Forming

3.2 C2–C3 Bond Forming

3.3 C3–Aryl Bond Forming

3.4 O–Aryl Bond Forming

4 From BF to DHB

5 Rearrangements and Aromatizations
Nanoshell quantum dots: Quantum confinement beyond the exciton Bohr radius
Authors: Cassidy James , Zamkov Mikhail
Published: March 2020

Nanoshell quantum dots (QDs) represent a novel class of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs), which supports tunable optoelectronic properties over the extended range of particle sizes. Traditionally, the ability to control the bandgap of colloidal semiconductor NCs is limited to small-size nanostructures, where photoinduced charges are confined by Coulomb interactions. A notorious drawback of such a restricted size range concerns the fact that assemblies of smaller nanoparticles tend to exhibit a greater density of interfacial and surface defects. This presents a potential problem for device applications of semiconductor NCs where the charge transport across nanoparticle films is important, as in the case of solar cells, field-effect transistors, and photoelectrochemical devices. The morphology of nanoshell QDs addresses this issue by enabling the quantum-confinement in the shell layer, where two-dimensional excitons can exist, regardless of the total particle size. Such a geometry exhibits one of the lowest surface-to-volume ratios among existing QD architectures and, therefore, could potentially lead to improved charge-transport and multi-exciton characteristics. The expected benefits of the nanoshell architecture were recently demonstrated by a number of reports on the CdSbulk/CdSe nanoshell model system, showing an improved photoconductivity of solids and increased lifetime of multi-exciton populations. Along these lines, this perspective will summarize the recent work on CdSbulk/CdSe nanoshell colloids and discuss the possibility of employing other nanoshell semiconductor combinations in light-harvesting and lasing applications.
Understanding truncated non-commutative geometries through computer simulations
Authors: Glaser L. , Stern A. B.
Published: March 2020

When aiming to apply mathematical results of non-commutative geometry to physical problems, the following question arises: How they translate to a context in which only a part of the spectrum is known? In this article, we aim to detect when a finite-dimensional triple is the truncation of the Dirac spectral triple of a spin manifold. To this end, we numerically investigate the restriction that the higher Heisenberg equation [A. H. Chamseddine et al., J. High Energy Phys. 2014, 98] places on a truncated Dirac operator. We find a bounded perturbation of the Dirac operator on the Riemann sphere that induces the same Chern class.
High temperature piezoelectric response of polycrystalline Li-doped (K,Na)NbO3 ceramics under compressive stress
Authors: Martin Alexander , Khansur Neamul H. , Eckstein Udo , Riess Kevin , Kakimoto Ken-ichi , Webber Kyle G.
Published: March 2020

The influence of uniaxial compressive stress on small-signal relative permittivity and direct piezoelectric coefficient of polycrystalline Li-modified (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (0, 2, and 4 mol. % Li) was characterized as a function of temperature from 25 to 450 °C. These data reveal corresponding anomalies in both the dielectric and piezoelectric properties near the well-known structural phase transitions in (KxNa1 − x)NbO3. In particular, increasing stress was found to shift the orthorhombic–tetragonal (TO−T) and tetragonal–cubic (TC) phase boundaries to higher temperatures, thereby stabilizing the lower symmetry phases. Experimental results also show that stress up to a critical value flattens the piezoelectric response below TO−T, above which a monotonic decrease is observed. In contrast, permittivity is increased below TO−T with increasing stress. These results are used to construct a stress–temperature phase diagram of Li-modified (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3.
Absorption of Si, Ge, and SiGe alloy nanocrystals embedded in SiO2 matrix
Authors: Avdeev I. D. , Belolipetsky A. V. , Ha N. N. , Nestoklon M. O. , Yassievich I. N.
Published: March 2020

Using the atomistic sp3d5s∗ tight-binding method, we calculate the optical absorption spectra due to phononless optical transitions in Si, Ge, and SiGe alloy nanocrystals embedded in an amorphous dielectric SiO2 matrix. For the SiO2 matrix, we use a virtual crystal approximation assuming the cubic crystalline structure, similar to β crystobalite, in the proximity of the nanocrystal surface. The optical absorption is analyzed in detail: its dependency on the Ge content and nanocrystal size and the role of the SiO2 matrix are revealed. Our recent experimental measurements of the optical absorption in co-sputtered thin SiO2 films with arrays of Si, Ge, and SiGe alloy nanocrystals are discussed and compared with the simulations.
Synthesizing three-body interaction of spin chirality with superconducting qubits
Authors: Liu Wuxin , Feng Wei , Ren Wenhui , Wang Da-Wei , Wang H.
Published: March 2020

Superconducting qubits provide a competitive platform for quantum simulation of complex dynamics that lies at the heart of quantum many-body systems, because of the flexibility and scalability afforded by the nature of microfabrication. However, in a multiqubit device, the physical form of couplings between qubits is either an electric (capacitor) or magnetic field (inductor), and the associated quadratic field energy determines that only two-body interaction in the Hamiltonian can be directly realized. Here, we propose and experimentally synthesize a three-body spin-chirality interaction in a superconducting circuit based on Floquet engineering. By periodically modulating the resonant frequencies of the qubits connected with each other via capacitors, we can dynamically turn on and off qubit–qubit couplings and further create chiral flows of the excitations in the three-qubit circular loop. Our result is a step toward engineering dynamical and many-body interactions in multiqubit superconducting devices, which potentially expands the degree of freedom in quantum simulation tasks.
Insights into surface modification and erosion of multi-element arc cathodes using a novel multilayer cathode design
Authors: Golizadeh Mehran , Anders André , Mendez Martin Francisca , Kolozsvári Szilard , Franz Robert
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, multi-element cathodes are frequently employed to grow multi-element thin films and coatings using cathodic arc deposition processes. During cathode erosion, the cathode spot sequentially ignites on the cathode surface and imposes melting–solidification cycles that lead to material intermixing and the formation of a modified layer on the cathode surface. To allow us to study these surface modifications, a 10 μm thick Mo/Al multilayer coating was sputter-deposited onto a standard Ti arc cathode. This cathode was eroded by a dc steered arc discharge for a short duration enabling the observation of single craters formed by type 1 and 2 cathode spots. Furthermore, separated clusters of overlapping craters and a fully eroded surface caused by different stages of erosion were differentiated when scanning the erosion track in the lateral direction. Cross sections of single craters were prepared by focused ion beam techniques while metallographic methods were applied to obtain cross sections of overlapping craters and the modified layer. The layers of the multilayer coating acted as trace markers providing new insights into the material intermixing within craters, the material displacements during crater formation, the plasma pressure acting on the craters, and the temperature gradient (heat-affected zone) below the craters. The observations are discussed within the framework of established arc crater formation models.
Formic acid adsorption and decomposition on clean and atomic oxygen pre-covered Cu(100) surfaces
Authors: Li Guihang , Guo Weijun , Zhou Xiong , Yu Xin , Zhu Junfa
Published: March 2020

Formic acid adsorption and decomposition on clean Cu(100) and two atomic oxygen pre-covered Cu(100) surfaces have been studied using surface science techniques including scanning tunneling microscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy. The two atomic oxygen pre-covered Cu(100) surfaces include an O-(22 ×2)R45° Cu(100) surface and an oxygen modified Cu(100) surface with a local O-c(2 × 2) structure. The results show that the O-(22 ×2)R45° Cu(100) surface is inert to the formic acid adsorption at 300 K. After exposing to formic acid at 300 K, bidentate formate formed on the clean Cu(100) and local O-c(2 × 2) area of the oxygen modified Cu(100) surface. However, their adsorption geometries are different, being vertical to the surface plane on the former surface and inclined with respect to the surface normal with an ordered structure on the latter surface. The temperature programmed desorption spectra indicate that the formate species adsorbed on the clean Cu(100) surface decomposes into H2 and CO2 when the sample temperature is higher than 390 K. Differently, the proton from scission of the C–H bond of formate reacts with the surface oxygen, forming H2O on the oxygen modified Cu(100) surface. The CO2 signal starts increasing at about 370 K, which is lower than that on clean Cu(100), indicating that the surface oxygen affiliates formate decomposition. Combining all these results, we conclude that the surface oxygen plays a crucial role in formic acid adsorption and formate decomposition.
Electronic coupling and spin–orbit charge transfer intersystem crossing (SOCT-ISC) in compact BDP–carbazole dyads with different mutual orientations of the electron donor and acceptor
Authors: Hou Yuqi , Kurganskii Ivan , Elmali Ayhan , Zhang Huimin , Gao Yuting , Lv Lingling , Zhao Jianzhang , Karatay Ahmet , Luo Liang , Fedin Matvey
Published: March 2020

In order to study the spin–orbit charge transfer induced intersystem crossing (SOCT-ISC), Bodipy (BDP)–carbazole (Cz) compact electron donor/acceptor dyads were prepared. Charge transfer (CT) emission bands were observed for dyads showing strong electronic coupling between the donor and the acceptor (coupling matrix elements VDA, 0.06 eV–0.18 eV). Depending on the coupling magnitude, the CT state of the dyads can be either dark or emissive. Equilibrium between the 1LE (locally excited) state and the 1CT state was confirmed by temperature-dependent fluorescence studies. Efficient ISC was observed for the dyads with Cz connected at the meso-position of the BDP. Interestingly, the dyad with non-orthogonal geometry shows the highest ISC efficiency (ΦΔ = 58%), which is different from the previous conclusion. The photo-induced charge separation (CS, time constant: 0.7 ps) and charge recombination (CR, ∼3.9 ns) were studied by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. Nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy indicated that the BDP-localized triplet state was exceptionally long-lived (602 µs). Using pulsed laser excited time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, the SOCT-ISC mechanism was confirmed, and we show that the electron spin polarization of the triplet state is highly dependent on the mutual orientation of the donor and acceptor. The dyads were used as triplet photosensitizers for triplet–triplet-annihilation (TTA) upconversion, and the quantum yield is up to 6.7%. TTA-based delayed fluorescence was observed for the dyads (τDF = 41.5 µs). The dyads were also used as potent photodynamic therapy reagents (light toxicity of IC50 = 0.1 µM and dark toxicity of IC50 = 70.8 µM).
A machine learning based deep potential for seeking the low-lying candidates of Al clusters
Authors: Tuo P. , Ye X. B. , Pan B. C.
Published: March 2020

A Machine-Learning based Deep Potential (DP) model for Al clusters is developed through training with an extended database including ab initio data of both bulk and several clusters in only 6 CPU/h. This DP model has good performance in accurately predicting the low-lying candidates of Al clusters in a broad size range. Based on our developed DP model, the low-lying structures of 101 different sized Al clusters are extensively searched, among which the lowest-energy candidates of 69 sized clusters are updated. Our calculations demonstrate that machine-learning is indeed powerful in generating potentials to describe the interaction of atoms in complex materials.
The vowel spaces of Spanish-K’ichee’ bilinguals
Authors: Baird Brandon O.
Published: March 2020

The point vowels /i, a, u/ serve to mark the extremes of the acoustic vowel space; however, previous experimental research on K’ichee’ has shown that the acoustic location of point vowels varies according to the vowel inventory of the specific dialect of K’ichee’. The present study analyzes the acoustic vowel spaces of Guatemalan Spanish monolinguals and of Spanish-K’ichee’ bilinguals from two K’ichee’ dialects with different vowel inventories. The results of a production task reveal that the bilingual Spanish vowel spaces differ from those of monolinguals. Furthermore, although these bilinguals maintain cross-language differences in their mid vowels, their Spanish point vowels correspond in acoustic location to their K’ichee’ point vowels, meaning they have similar acoustic vowel spaces in both languages.