bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using advanced analysis of multifocal visual-evoked potentials to evaluate the risk of clinical progression in patients with radiologically isolated syndrome
Authors: Miguel J. M. , Roldán M. , Pérez-Rico C. , Ortiz M. , Boquete L. , Blanco R.
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to assess the role of multifocal visual-evoked potentials (mfVEPs) as a guiding factor for clinical conversion of radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS). We longitudinally followed a cohort of 15 patients diagnosed with RIS. All subjects underwent thorough ophthalmological, neurological and imaging examinations. The mfVEP signals were analysed to obtain features in the time domain (SNRmin: amplitude, Latmax: monocular latency) and in the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) domain (bmax: instant in which the CWT function maximum appears, Nmax: number of CWT function maximums). The best features were used as inputs to a RUSBoost boosting-based sampling algorithm to improve the mfVEP diagnostic performance. Five of the 15 patients developed an objective clinical symptom consistent with an inflammatory demyelinating central nervous system syndrome during follow-up (mean time: 13.40 months). The (SNRmin) variable decreased significantly in the group that converted (2.74 ± 0.92 vs. 4.07 ± 0.95, p = 0.01). Similarly, the (bmax) feature increased significantly in RIS patients who converted (169.44 ± 24.81 vs. 139.03 ± 11.95 (ms), p = 0.02). The area under the curve analysis produced SNRmin and bmax values of 0.92 and 0.88, respectively. These results provide a set of new mfVEP features that can be potentially useful for predicting prognosis in RIS patients.
Benefits of local consolidative treatment in oligometastases of solid cancers: a stepwise-hierarchical pooled analysis and systematic review
Authors: Rim Chai Hong , Shin In-Soo , Park Sunmin , Lee Hye Yoon
Published: January 2021

We conducted a meta-analysis of articles published in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library to investigate the effectiveness of local consolidative therapy (LCT) against oligometastases. Data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), balanced studies, and all studies combined were analyzed in a hierarchical manner. Pooled analyses of 31 studies (including seven randomized trials) investigating the effectiveness of LCT on overall survival revealed odds ratios of 3.04, 2.56, and 1.41 for all studies, balanced studies, and RCTs, respectively (all p < 0.05). The benefit of LCT was more prominent in patients with non-small cell lung and colorectal cancers than in those with prostate and small cell lung cancers. Moreover, the benefit of LCT was smaller in patients with high metastatic burdens (p = 0.054). In four of 12 studies with available information, additional grade ≥3 toxicities due to LCTs were reported. Overall, LCT is beneficial for patients with oligometastases, although such benefits are less evident in RCTs than in observational studies. Appropriate LCTs should be carefully selected considering their feasibility, disease type, and metastatic burden.
Rapid developments in lateral flow immunoassay for nucleic acid detection
Authors: Zheng Chujun , Wang Kan , Zheng Wei , Cheng Yuemeng , Li Tangan , Cao Bo , Jin Qinghui , Cui Daxiang
Published: January 2021

Schematic of two main research directions of lateral flow assays for nucleic acid detection.
Radical-triggered cross-linking for molecular layer deposition of SiAlCOH hybrid thin films
Authors: Ashurbekova Kristina , Ashurbekova Karina , Saric Iva , Modin Evgeny , Petravic Mladen , Abdulagatov Ilmutdin , Abdulagatov Aziz , Knez Mato
Published: January 2021

We developed a thin film growth with a radical-initiated cross-linking of vinyl groups in a layer-by-layer mannerviamolecular layer deposition (MLD). The cross-linked film exhibited improved properties like 12% higher density and enhanced stability compared to the non-cross-linked film.
Photoreactive salt cocrystal: N+–H⋯N hydrogen bond and cation–π interactions support a cascade-like photodimerization of a 4-stilbazole
Authors: Li Changan , Campillo-Alvarado Gonzalo , Swenson Dale C. , MacGillivray Leonard R.
Published: January 2021

Hydrogen bonds (i.e., N+–H⋯N) in combination with cation⋯π interactions enable a cascade-like [2 + 2] photodimerization of 4-stilbazole in a salt cocrystal.
Elastic properties of superionic cubic silver sulfide β-Ag2S
Authors: Sadovnikov S. I. , Gusev A. I.
Published: January 2021

Measurement of heat capacity of superionic silver sulfide (argentite β-Ag2S) revealed that nanocrystalline argentite has a higher heat capacity than coarse-crystalline argentite.
Influence of dipole and intermolecular interaction on the tuning dielectric and energy storage properties of polystyrene-based polymers
Authors: Li Qizheng , Tan Shaobo , Gong Honghong , Lu Junyong , Zhang Wenjing , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: January 2021

Dielectric properties of AS can be finely tuned by manipulating the dipole and intermolecular interaction between the nitrile and phenyl units.
The mechanism of hydrogen-accelerated melting of polycrystalline copper
Authors: Huang Haishen , Ai Liqiang , Chen Min , Lü Yongjun
Published: January 2021

The mechanism of hydrogen-accelerated melting of polycrystalline copper is first revealed using the newly developed Cu/H ReaxFF force field.
Structure and electronic bandgap tunability of m-plane GaN multilayers
Authors: Cai Xueru , Ma Yiming , Ma Jinlong , Xu Dongwei , Luo Xiaobing
Published: January 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) m-plane GaN is a new 2D phase of covalently bonded GaN. The dangling bonds of the surface layer play an essential role in determining the structure and electronic bandgap.
Theoretical study on the molecular stacking interactions and charge transport properties of triazasumanene crystals – from explanation to prediction
Authors: Chen Xi , Sakurai Hidehiro , Wang Huan , Gao Simeng , Bi Hong-Da , Bai Fu-Quan
Published: January 2021

Different molecular interactions in triazasumanene racemic and homochiral crystals were investigated by a simple dimer model.
Designing C6N6/C2N van der Waals heterostructures for photogenerated charge carrier separation
Authors: Mukherjee Moumita , Jana Rajkumar , Datta Ayan
Published: January 2021

A new two-dimensional C6N6/C2N van der Waals heterostructure is proposed to realize photocatalytic water splitting. The work function difference promotes charge transfer from the C2N to C6N6 layer.
Pyrene-based metal organic frameworks: from synthesis to applications
Authors: Kinik F. Pelin , Ortega-Guerrero Andres , Ongari Daniele , Ireland Christopher P. , Smit Berend
Published: January 2021

Pyrene-based MOFs have several applications; including luminescence, photocatalysis, adsorption and separation, heterogeneous catalysis, electrochemical applications and bio-medical applications.
The ratiometric detection of the biomarker Ap5A for dry eye disease and physiological temperature using a rare trinuclear lanthanide metal–organic framework
Authors: Xia Tifeng , Wan Yating , Yan Xiayan , Hu Li , Wu Zhigang , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2021

A highly stable trinuclear lanthanide metal–organic framework was designed for the fluorometric ratiometric detection of the dry eye biomarker Ap5A and physiological temperature.
Photoacoustic and piezo-ultrasound hybrid-induced energy transfer for 3D twining wireless multifunctional implants
Authors: Jiang Laiming , Lu Gengxi , Yang Yang , Zeng Yushun , Sun Yizhe , Li Runze , Humayun Mark S. , Chen Yong , Zhou Qifa
Published: January 2021

A hybrid-induced energy transfer strategy using photoacoustic and piezo-ultrasound technology was proposed to achieve a 3D twining multifunctional implant.
Enhanced aminolysis of cyclic carbonates by β-hydroxylamines for the production of fully biobased polyhydroxyurethanes
Authors: Quienne Baptiste , Poli Rinaldo , Pinaud Julien , Caillol Sylvain
Published: January 2021

β-hydroxylamines exhibit higher reactivity toward cyclic carbonates compare to regular amines and allowed access to fully biobased polyhydroxyurethanes.
Energy-efficient transistors: suppressing the subthreshold swing below the physical limit
Authors: Zhai Yongbiao , Feng Zihao , Zhou Ye , Han Su-Ting
Published: January 2021

We review the physics, design, and optimization of four steep-slope transistors and demonstrate their potential and drawbacks.
Synthesis of novel regioisomeric phenanthro[a]phenazine derivatives through the SNAr strategy and their self-assembly into columnar phases
Authors: Patra Alakananda , Swamynathan K. , Kumar Sandeep
Published: January 2021

Synthesis and characterization of novel discotic liquid crystalline regioisomers for optoelectronic applications.
Metal nitrate-catalyzed one-pot oxidative esterification of benzaldehyde with hydrogen peroxide in alcoholic solutions at room temperature
Authors: da Silva Márcio José , de Oliveira Cesar Macedo
Published: January 2021

The ferric nitrate was the most active and selective metal nitrate catalyst in the one-pot synthesis of alkyl esters from benzaldehyde with hydrogen peroxide at room temperature.
Yolk–shell magnetic composite Fe3O4@Co/Zn-ZIF for MR imaging-guided chemotherapy of tumors in vivo
Authors: Li Ying , Jiang Lu-Lu , Qiao Ya-Xian , Wan Dong , Huang Yan-Feng
Published: January 2021

The yolk–shell composites Fe3O4@Co/Zn-ZIF exhibited high doxorubicin loading capacity, pH-responsive release characteristics, and strong T2-weighted MR imaging contrast enhancement, and were used for MR imaging-guided chemotherapy of tumors in vivo.
Reactivity of a carbonyl moiety in organotin(iv) compounds: novel Pd(ii) and Cu(ii) complexes supported by organotin(iv) ligands
Authors: Someşan Adrian-Alexandru , Silvestru Cristian , Varga Richard A.
Published: January 2021

Converting the carbonyl moiety of an (aryl)organotin(iv) compound gives other functional groups that can act as metalloligands.
Cis double bond formation in polyketide biosynthesis
Authors: Yin Zhiyong , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: January 2021

This review summarises the peculiar mechanisms of Z double bond formations in polyketide biosynthesis.
Dipolar interactions among magnetite nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia: a rate-equation approach
Authors: Barrera Gabriele , Allia Paolo , Tiberto Paola
Published: January 2021

Dipolar interactions strongly modify effective heating power and the dynamical response regime of magnetic nanoparticles.
Various half-metallic nodal loops in organic Cr2N6C3 monolayers
Authors: Bao Hairui , Zhao Bao , Xue Yang , Huan Hao , Gao Guanyi , Liu Xiaojuan , Yang Zhongqin
Published: January 2021

Half-metallic nodal loops robust against spin–orbit couplings are realized in covalent–organic Cr2N6C3 monolayers. Type I, II, and III nodal loops, protected by a mirror symmetry, are found coexisting in the material.
Bifunctional PGM-free metal organic framework-based electrocatalysts for alkaline electrolyzers: trends in the activity with different metal centers
Authors: Moschkowitsch Wenjamin , Gonen Shmuel , Dhaka Kapil , Zion Noam , Honig Hilah , Tsur Yoed , Caspary-Toroker Maytal , Elbaz Lior
Published: January 2021

Several composites of metal organic frameworks with electrocatalytic activity toward OER and HER were studied. A trend of the activity among the different metals was observed for both reactions and was confirmed by DFT calculations.
Thermally reversible and irreversible interstrand photocrosslinking of 5-chloro-2′-deoxy-4-thiouridine modified DNA oligonucleotides
Authors: Nowak-Karnowska Joanna , Zielińska Karolina , Milecki Jan , Skalski Bohdan
Published: January 2021

The interstrand photocrosslinking of a 5-chloro-2′-deoxy-4-thiouridine modified DNA oligonucleotide proceeds via a two-step photocascade involving the formation of a thermally reversible crosslink and its conversion to a stable fluorescent crosslink.
Synthesis and characterization of fully biobased polyesters with tunable branched architectures
Authors: Kasmi Nejib , Pinel Catherine , Da Silva Perez Denilson , Dieden Reiner , Habibi Youssef
Published: January 2021

A series of sugar-derived triols and biobased diacids were combined to prepare fully biobased branched polyesters with different structural features by melt polycondensation.
Cascade intramolecular rearrangement/cycloaddition of nitrocyclopropane carboxylates with alkynes/alkenes: access to uncommon bi(hetero)cyclic systems
Authors: Varshnaya Rohit Kumar , Singh Priyanka , Kaur Navpreet , Banerjee Prabal
Published: January 2021

A straightforward approach for the one-pot synthesis of fused bi(hetero)cyclic systems via cascade intramolecular rearrangement/cycloaddition reaction of nitrocyclopropane carboxylates with substituted alkynes/alkenes has been demonstrated.
Obtaining an immunoaffinity monolithic material: poly(GMA-co-EDMA) functionalized with an HPV-derived peptide using a thiol–maleimide reaction
Authors: Insuasty-Cepeda Diego Sebastián , Maldonado Mauricio , García-Castañeda Javier Eduardo , Rivera-Monroy Zuly Jenny
Published: January 2021

In this investigation, an organic monolithic material of poly(GMA-co-EDMA) was functionalized with a peptide via Michael addition chemistry for isolating and pre-concentrating antibodies.
Pickering-emulsion-templated synthesis of 3D hollow graphene as an efficient oil absorbent
Authors: Pohan Nurul Aqilah , Wahid Mohd Haniff , Zainal Zulkarnain , Ibrahim Nor Azowa
Published: January 2021

The preparation of graphene in three-dimensional mode represents an alternative method to maintain its characteristically large surface area, which, under normal circumstances, is diminished by the restacking of the individual sheets.
Application of magnetic field to CO hydrogenation using a confined-space catalyst: effect on reactant gas diffusivity and reactivity
Authors: Donphai Waleeporn , Kunthakudee Naphaphan , Munpollasri Sirapat , Sangteantong Pariyawalee , Tonlublao Surangrat , Limphirat Wanwisa , Poo-arporn Yingyot , Kiatphuengporn Sirapassorn , Chareonpanich Metta
Published: January 2021

Synergy between an external magnetic field and limited mass transfer within zeolite cavities leads to different diffusion abilities of CO and H2 during the reaction within the catalyst pores, leading to significant improvement in CO conversion.
Rheology finds distinct glass and jamming transitions in emulsions
Authors: Cao Cong , Liao Jianshan , Breedveld Victor , Weeks Eric R.
Published: January 2021

The yield stress for emulsion samples with small droplets shows two transitions, a glass transition at volume fraction 0.58 and a jamming transition at 0.64. For a sample with larger droplets, we only see a jamming transition.
Combining operando X-ray experiments and modelling to understand the heterogeneous lithiation of graphite electrodes
Authors: Tardif Samuel , Dufour Nicolas , Colin Jean-François , Gébel Gérard , Burghammer Manfred , Johannes Andreas , Lyonnard Sandrine , Chandesris Marion
Published: January 2021

Experimental measurement of lithium distribution across the depth of a thick porous graphite electrode using operando microXRD and numerical modelling provide an unprecedented view of the lithiation of graphite.
The inner heterogeneity of ZSM-5 zeolite crystals
Authors: Shen Yanfeng , Qin Zhengxing , Asahina Shunsuke , Asano Natsuko , Zhang Guanqun , Qian Shuya , Ma Yanhang , Yan Zifeng , Liu Xinmei , Mintova Svetlana
Published: January 2021

The inner heterogeneity of ZSM-5 zeolite and the building mechanism of inner architecture in zeolite synthesis was revealed through NH4F-etching. The inner heterogeneity of ZSM-5 zeolite was described by the concepts of defect-zoning and Al-zoning.
Unravelling high volumetric capacity of Co3O4 nanograin-interconnected secondary particles for lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Chang Joon Ha , Cheong Jun Young , Shim Yoonsu , Park Jae Yeol , Kim Sung Joo , Lee Jiyoung , Lee Ho Jun , Lim Haeseong , Liu Weiyan , Zhang Qing , Terasaki Osamu , Lee Chan-Woo , Kim Il-Doo , Yuk Jong Min
Published: January 2021

Co3O4 nanograins-interconnected secondary particle (Co3O4 NISP) is proposed as lithium-ion battery anode material that can offer high volumetric capacity by less formation of insulating CoO during lithiation process.
Recent progress of MXenes and MXene-based nanomaterials for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Kang Zhaoming , Khan Muhammad Arif , Gong Yanmei , Javed Rida , Xu Yuan , Ye Daixin , Zhao Hongbin , Zhang Jiujun
Published: January 2021

In this review, recent advances in MXenes and MXene-based nanomaterials applied in HER electrocatalysis are overviewed in terms of their synthesis, characterization, functional mechanisms, and HERperformance/optimization.
A defect-driven atomically dispersed Fe–N–C electrocatalyst for bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic activity in Zn–air batteries
Authors: Zhang Jie , Chen Jinwei , Luo Yan , Chen Yihan , Luo Yingjian , Zhang Chenyang , Xue Yali , Liu Honggang , Wang Gang , Wang Ruilin
Published: January 2021

The optimized Fe–N–NDC-1-900 exhibits robust anchoring ability to immobilize atomic Fe species with abundant Fe–N4 sites, demonstrating excellent electrocatalytic activity in both the ORR and OER.
A hierarchical origami moisture collector with laser-textured microchannel array for a plug-and-play irrigation system
Authors: Tang Xiaoxuan , Liu Hongwei , Xiao Lin , Zhou Maolin , Bai Haoyu , Fang Jiahao , Cui Zehang , Cheng Hui , Li Guoqiang , Zhang Yabin , Cao Moyuan
Published: January 2021

Inspired by the Triarrhena sacchariflora, a hierarchical origami moisture collector was designed to achieve the highly-efficient fogdrop harvesting and long-lasting moisture retention forplant irrigation without an external energy input.
Silk-based hybrid microfibrous mats as guided bone regeneration membranes
Authors: Wu Mi , Han Zhengyi , Liu Wen , Yao Jinrong , Zhao Bingjiao , Shao Zhengzhong , Chen Xin
Published: January 2021

LAPONITE® (LAP) nanoplatelets were incorporated within a regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) microfibrous mat via electrospinning, which exhibited better cell adhesion and proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) than the pristine RSF ones.
Ultrathin, flexible and sandwich-structured PHBV/silver nanowire films for high-efficiency electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Yang Song , Wang Yue-Yi , Song Ying-Nan , Jia Li-Chuan , Zhong Gan-Ji , Xu Ling , Yan Ding-Xiang , Lei Jun , Li Zhong-Ming
Published: January 2021

An ultrathin transparent EMI shielding film with sandwich structure including PHBV, AgNWs and PHBV was fabricated. The AgNW layer encapsulated with PHBV can endow the film with high EMI effectiveness and environment stability.
Multi-resonance organoboron-based fluorescent probe for ultra-sensitive, selective and reversible detection of fluoride ions
Authors: Qi Yanyu , Cao Xiaosong , Zou Yang , Yang Chuluo
Published: January 2021

This multiple resonance organoboron-based fluoride ion sensor exhibited a record low detection limit together with good selectivity and reversibility.
A smart sensing triazine hexacarboxylic metal–organic skeleton material: synthesis, structure and multifunctional fluorescence detector
Authors: Xiao Yao , Li Bing , You Zi Xin , Xing Yong Heng , Bai Feng Ying , Sun Li-Xian , Shi Zhan
Published: January 2021

A novel lanthanide metal organic framework [(NH2(Me)2)]6·[Tb3(TDPAT)2(μ2-O)1.5]·3EtOH·7.5H2O (complex 1) was constructed via the reaction of 5,5′,5′′-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyltriimino) tris(azanediyl)triisophthalate (H6TDPAT) and TbCl3·6H2O.
When Will He Talk? An Evidence-Based Tutorial for Measuring Progress Toward Use of Spoken Words in Preverbal Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: McDaniel Jena , Schuele C. Melanie
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Professionals face substantial challenges determining whether and when children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are not yet using spoken words will use spoken language as their primary means of communication. This tutorial provides speech-language pathologists with practical guidance on how to measure expressive language predictors for progress monitoring and making intervention decisions for children with ASD who are preverbal.

Method

This tutorial is a repackaging effort that seeks to make the research accessible to clinicians wishing to implement evidence-based practice.

Results

We describe intentional communication, consonant inventory in communication acts, and responding to joint attention as particularly valuable prelinguistic skills to measure. We explain how and when to efficiently assess progress using published assessments periodically and using brief (5-min) communication samples for more frequent progress monitoring.

Conclusions

Communication samples can be used to show how a child performs within a therapeutic setting during teaching (treatment data) and outside of the therapeutic setting (generalization probe data). Both types of data are critical for determining whether the child is exhibiting progress and which aspects of intervention are facilitating progress toward use of spoken words. These recommendations also balance the evidence for best practices for progress monitoring and the demands on clinicians' time and effort. To encourage the measurement of prelinguistic skills of children with ASD who are preverbal in clinical practice, we include (a) example data collection documents, (b) examples with hypothetical data and interpretation, and (c) guidance on communication sampling procedures.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13557836
A Longitudinal Evaluation of Speech Rate in Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Utianski Rene L. , Martin Peter R. , Hanley Holly , Duffy Joseph R. , Botha Hugo , Clark Heather M. , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Josephs Keith A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Individuals with primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS) have apraxia of speech (AOS) in which disruptions in articulation or prosody predominate the speech pattern, referred to, respectively, as phonetic or prosodic subtypes. Many develop aphasia and/or dysarthria. Past research has demonstrated that simple temporal acoustic measures are sensitive to the presence of AOS. The aim of this study was to describe the change in temporal acoustic measures over time and assess if specific patterns of AOS or co-occurring aphasia or dysarthria impact the rate of change over time.

Method

Durations for multiple productions of the words
cat
,
catnip
,
catapult
, and
catastrophe
, in an imitative speech task, were recorded for 73 patients, with two to six visits each. A linear mixed-effects model was used to assess the cross-sectional differences and longitudinal influence of AOS subtype and presence of aphasia/dysarthria on speech rate. Pearson correlations were calculated between rate measures and performance on other clinical measures.

Results

Cross-sectionally, patients with prosodic-predominant PPAOS produced words more slowly than those with phonetic-predominant PPAOS. Patients with either aphasia or dysarthria produced words more slowly than those without. Longitudinally, the speech rate of patients with phonetic-predominant PPAOS had a reduction of 0.5 syllables per second per year. Patients with prosodic-predominant AOS changed less quickly, as did those who developed aphasia. Dysarthria did not impact rate of change. There were strong associations between speech rate measures and other clinical indices of speech and language functioning.

Conclusion

Simple temporal acoustic measures may reflect the subtype of AOS (phonetic or prosodic predominant), serve as an index of progression of AOS, and inform prognostication relative to the presenting combination of speech and language features.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13564724
Frequencies, chaos, and resonances: A study of orbital parameters of nearby thick-disc and halo stars
Authors: Koppelman Helmer H. , Hagen Jorrit H. J. , Helmi Amina
Published: January 2021

Aims. We study the distribution of nearby thick-disc and halo stars in subspaces defined by their characteristic orbital parameters. Our aim is to establish the origin of the structure reported in particular in the Rmax − zmax space.

Methods. To this end, we computed the orbital parameters and frequencies of stars for a generic and for a Stäckel Milky Way potential.

Results. We find that for both the thick-disc and halo populations, very similar prominent substructures are apparent for the generic Galactic potential, while no substructure is seen for the Stäckel model. This indicates that the origin of these features is not merger-related, but due to the non-integrability of the generic potential. This conclusion is strengthened by our frequency analysis of the orbits of stars, which reveals the presence of prominent resonances, with ∼30% of the halo stars associated with resonance families. In fact, the stars in resonances define the substructures seen in the spaces of characteristic orbital parameters. Intriguingly, we find that some stars in our sample and in debris streams are on the same resonance as the Sagittarius dwarf.

Conclusions. Our study constitutes a step towards disentangling the imprint of merger debris from substructures driven by internal dynamics. Given their prominence, these resonant-driven overdensities could potentially be useful in constraining the exact form of the Galactic potential.
Stellar models with self-consistent Rosseland opacities
Authors: Hui-Bon-Hoa A.
Published: January 2021

Context. The building of a stellar structure requires knowing the Rosseland mean opacity at each layer of the model. This mean opacity is very often interpolated in pre-computed tables due to the overwhelming time to compute it from monochromatic cross sections. The main drawback to using tables is that the opacities can be inconsistent with the actual local chemical composition, for instance in the regions of the star where nucleosynthesis occurs.

Aims. We study the effects of self-consistent Rosseland mean opacity calculations on the stellar structure and evolution, in comparison with models where the metal mixture remains equal to the initial one.

Methods. We developed a strategy that allows very fast calculations of Rosseland opacities from monochromatic cross sections. We are then able to compute evolutionary tracks with models whose Rosseland opacities are fully consistent with the chemical mix everywhere in the star. This method has been implemented in the Toulouse-Geneva evolution code.

Results. Our self-consistent models show very small structural differences compared to models where the Rosseland opacity is computed with a fixed metal mixture. As a consequence, the main-sequence evolutionary tracks are almost the same for models of mass ranging from 2 to 8 M⊙. At a given surface gravity the relative difference in age is lower than 2% and generally below 1% between the two kinds of calculations, the self-consistent model being younger most of the time. Unless such a precision in age is sought out, the use of tabulated Rosseland opacities with a metal content defined globally is still acceptable, at least in main-sequence stars where the chemical mix changes only through nucleosynthesis.
Einfluss klinischer, sozialmedizinischer und psychologischer Faktoren auf die berufliche Reintegration von Patientinnen mit Brustkrebs 6 Monate nach der Rehabilitation
Authors: Rick Oliver , Reuß-Borst Monika , Dauelsberg Timm , Hass Holger G. , König Volker , Caspari Reiner , Götz-Keil Gabriele , Pfitzner Jürgen , Kerschgens Christa , Fliessbach Klaus , Hoppe Christian
Published: January 2021

Ziel der Studie Die Mehrzahl der Patientinnen mit nicht-metastasiertem Brustkrebs kehrt nach der Tumortherapie wieder ins Erwerbsleben zurück. In nationalen und internationalen Studien wird eine Rate von bis zu 80% angegeben, die allerdings in Abhängigkeit vom untersuchten Studienkollektiv und den verschiedenen Sozialsystemen erheblich schwanken kann. Unklar ist hingegen, wie viele Patientinnen nach einer medizinischen Rehabilitation wieder ins Erwerbsleben reintegriert werden und welche klinischen, soziodemografischen und psychologischen Faktoren dabei eine Rolle spielen.

Methodik Im Rahmen einer multizentrischen Studie wurden bei Patientinnen mit Brustkrebs zu Beginn ihrer medizinischen Rehabilitation die klinischen und soziodemografischen Daten erhoben. Außerdem wurden subjektiv erlebte Defizite der Aufmerksamkeitsleistung (FEDA), depressive Symptome (PHQ-9) und die gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität (EORTC QLQ-C30) mittels standardisierter Fragebögen erfasst. Die kognitive Leistungsfähigkeit wurde zusätzlich mittels einer computergestützten Testbatterie (NeuroCog FX) untersucht. Eine Nachbefragung erfolgte 6–9 Monate nach der medizinischen Rehabilitation. Auch die subjektive Einschätzung der eigenen kognitiven Leistungsfähigkeit (FEDA) wurde zu diesem Zeitpunkt erneut erhoben.

Ergebnisse Es konnten 396 der ursprünglich 476 Patientinnen in die Studie eingeschlossen werden. Bei der Nachbefragung waren 323/396 Patientinnen (82%) wieder erwerbstätig. In einem Regressionsmodell erwiesen sich im Hinblick auf die berufliche Reintegration vor allem soziodemografische Faktoren als positiv prädiktiv: Erwerbstätigkeit zum Zeitpunkt der Tumordiagnose, nach der medizinischen Rehabilitation erhaltener Arbeitsplatz, Angestelltenstatus und stufenweise Wiedereingliederung nach dem Hamburger Modell (Nagelkerke R2=0,685). Dieses Modell konnte durch Hinzufügung psychologischer Variablen nicht verbessert werden. Die subjektiven Patientenangaben in allen Fragebögen waren hoch korreliert (r>0,57; p<0,001).

Schlussfolgerung Die weit überwiegende Mehrheit der Patientinnen mit Brustkrebs kehrt nach einer medizinischen Rehabilitation ins Erwerbsleben zurück. Soziodemografische Faktoren spielen dabei eine entscheidende Rolle. Das hier entwickelte Regressionsmodell unter Einbeziehung des Erwerbsstatus, der beruflichen Ausrichtung und der stufenweisen Wiedereingliederung hat prädiktive Bedeutung und kann in der medizinischen Rehabilitation genutzt werden.
Subscapularis Tendon Tears – Usefulness of Written MRI Reports for Guiding Patient Referral to Shoulder Specialists
Authors: Lenz Robert , Kircher Jörn , Schwalba Knut , Weber Marc-André , Tischer Thomas
Published: January 2021

Introduction Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common reasons for shoulder pain, and patients often present initially to general practitioners. However, subscapularis tears are especially difficult to diagnose and hence adequate therapy is often delayed. General practitioners or non-specialist orthopedic surgeons need reliable MRI findings to allow timely referral of patients to shoulder specialists. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the written MRI report of patients with arthroscopically proven subscapularis tendon tears.

Method In this retrospective study, 97 patients (mean age 62.4 ± 10 years, 63 men) who underwent arthroscopic subscapularis repair between April 2013 and January 2015 by two experienced shoulder surgeons and who underwent a preoperative 1.5 T MRI study were included. All of these patients had high-field strength (i. e., ≥ 1.5 T) standard MRI scans performed within 4–164 (mean 57.4 ± 38.4) days before their arthroscopic procedures.

Results and Conclusion Subscapularis tendon tears, verified by arthroscopy, were correctly identified in only 37 of 97 cases in the written report of the preoperative MRI. This resulted in an overall low sensitivity of 38.1 %. Correctly predicted lesions were as follows: Fox and Romeo I 29.4 % (5/17 patients), Fox and Romeo II 20 % (7/35 patients), Fox and Romeo III 46.7 % (14/30 patients) and Fox and Romeo IV 73.3 % (11/15 patients). In contrast, concurrent supraspinatus tendon tears were identified correctly in 88.2 % of patients (60/68 cases, sensitivity 88.2 %, specificity 96.5 %). Preoperative written radiology reports provided by a heterogeneous group of 39 presumably non-MSK-specialized radiologic centers do not reliably detect subscapularis tendon tears and are not sufficient for guiding patients to specialist centers. Compared to other rotator cuff injuries, this study shows difficulties in the correct diagnosis of subscapular tendon injuries. However, this is necessary to provide patients with timely therapy. It can be assumed that MRI review by musculoskeletal-specialized radiologists would more often than not lead to the correct diagnosis.

Key Points: 

Citation Format
Nicht dialysepflichtige, chronische Niereninsuffizienz in der Hausarztpraxis – eine Fragebogenstudie unter Hausärzten
Authors: Voigt Paul , Kairys Paul , Voigt Anne , Frese Thomas
Published: January 2021

Einleitung Die Mehrheit der von nicht dialysepflichtiger, chronischer Niereninsuffizienz betroffenen Patienten wird von Hausärzten betreut. Die Datenlage auf diesem Gebiet ist besonders in Deutschland lückenhaft. Ziel der Umfrage war es, die wahrgenommene Häufigkeit in der hausärztlichen Praxis, die Nutzung von Diagnostik und Therapie sowie verwendete Hilfsmittel unter Berücksichtigung des beruflichen Hintergrunds und der Erfahrung der antwortenden Hausärzte abzuschätzen.

Methoden In Kooperation mehrerer Fachrichtungen wurde ein selbstentwickelter, diagnosespezifischer Fragebogen erstellt. Dieser wurde an 1130 Hausärzte aus Sachsen und Sachsen-Anhalt, die zufällig ausgewählt wurden, per Post versandt. Die Datenerhebung erfolgte von Juni 2019 bis Juli 2019.

Ergebnisse Von 1130 versandten Fragebögen wurden 372 auswertbar zurückgesandt (Rücklaufquote: 32,9 %). Die Häufigkeit der nicht dialysepflichtigen, chronischen Niereninsuffizienz wurde auf 6–15 % geschätzt. Der Einstellung von Bluthochdruck und Diabetes mellitus messen 97 % der befragten Ärzte eine hohe bis sehr hohe Priorität bei. Zur Proteinurie-Diagnostik wurde die Nutzung von Urinteststreifen von 60,8 %, die Anforderung einer Albumin-Kreatinin-Ratio von 22,6 % der Befragten angegeben. Nur geringe Differenzen konnten im Antwortverhalten der teilnehmenden Arztgruppen offengelegt werden. Die Berufserfahrung ist bei der Wahl der Hilfsmittel, im Besonderen Leitlinien, ein wichtiger Einflussfaktor.

Diskussion Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Angaben und Prioritäten der befragten Ärzte in hohem Maße mit den internationalen Empfehlungen zur Versorgung niereninsuffizienter Patienten korrelieren. Verbesserungen im Bereich der Progressionsdiagnostik sind möglich und nötig. Allgemeinmediziner und hausärztliche Internisten besitzen ein vergleichbares Kompetenzniveau in der primärärztlichen Versorgung der nicht dialysepflichtigen, chronischen Niereninsuffizienz.

Kernaussagen:
A Rare Case of Severe Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Early Infancy
Authors: Schwendt Meike , Kroll Johannes , Fleck Thilo , Stiller Brigitte
Published: January 2021

We report the case of a 3-month-old girl presenting with end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy and therapy-resistant cardiogenic shock. A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) Berlin Heart EXCOR was implanted, her organs recovered, and she was listed for heart transplantation. Two months later, while still on the LVAD, she was diagnosed with the rare genetic Alström syndrome. Weaning was no option, and she underwent successful heart transplantation at the age of 9 months. The follow-up 15 months later revealed an uneventful transplant course in a child with Alström syndrome.
Effects of Inhaled Iloprost for the Management of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
Authors: Verma Sourabh , Lumba Rishi , Kazmi Sadaf H. , Vaz Michelle J. , Prakash Shrawani Soorneela , Bailey Sean M. , Mally Pradeep V. , Randis Tara M.
Published: January 2021

Objective The study aimed to evaluate the effects of inhaled iloprost on oxygenation indices in neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).

Study Design We conducted a retrospective chart review of 30 patients with PPHN from January 2014 to November 2018, who did not respond to inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) alone and received inhaled iloprost. Twenty-two patients met the inclusion criteria and eight patients were excluded from the study (complex cardiac disease and extreme prematurity). Patients were categorized as responders or nonresponders (patients who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or died). Oxygenation index, mean airway pressure (MAP), and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) were recorded.

Results Among a total of 22 patients who were included in the study, 10 were classified as nonresponders as they required either extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or died. Gestational age and gender did not differ between responders and nonresponders. The median PaO2 was lower (37 vs. 42 mm Hg; p < 0.05) and median MAP was higher (20 vs. 17 cm H2O; p < 0.02) in nonresponders compared with responders just prior to initiating iloprost. Iloprost responders had a significant increase in median PaO2 and decrease in median oxygenation index in the 24 hours after initiating treatment (p < 0.05), with no significant change in required mean airway pressure over that same period. There was no change in vasopressor use or clinically significant worsening of platelets count, liver, and kidney functions after initiating iloprost.

Conclusion Inhaled iloprost is well tolerated and seems to have beneficial effects in improving oxygenation indices in neonates with PPHN who do not respond to iNO. There is a need of well-designed prospective trials to further ascertain the benefits of using inhaled iloprost as an adjunct treatment in neonates with PPHN who do not respond to iNO alone.

Key Points
Anterior Skull Base Sarcomas: Report of Characteristics and Outcomes at a Tertiary Care Cancer Center
Authors: Long Sallie , Asimakopoulos Panagiotis , McGill Marlena , Cohen Marc A. , Patel Snehal G. , Shah Jatin P. , Ganly Ian
Published: January 2021

Objective This study was aimed to describe our institutional experience on characteristics and treatment outcomes of sinonasal sarcomas invading the anterior skull base.

Design Present study is a retrospective review.

Setting The study was conducted at an academic cancer care center.

Participants Thirty-one patients with skull base sarcomas treated with primary surgery from 1979 to 2015 were identified for this study from a preexisting database.

Main Outcome Measures Survival and recurrence outcomes using the Kaplan–Meier method were the focus areas of the study.

Results The median age was 44 years (range: 13–69 years). Twenty patients were male (64.5%). Twenty-nine patients underwent open craniofacial resection (93.5%) and two patients underwent endoscopic resection (6.5%). The majority of tumors were staged pT4 (77.4%). The most common pathologies were leiomyosarcoma (19.4%), osteosarcoma (16.1%), and chondrosarcoma (12.9%). Of those with known margin status, 10 patients had positive/close margins (32.2%) and 16 patients had negative margins (51.6%). Most tumors were high grade (74.2%). Twenty-three patients (74.2%) received adjuvant radiation and four patients (12.9%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. There were nine postoperative complications (29%) including one mortality and three cerebrospinal fluid leaks. There were 10 local, 2 regional, and 5 distant recurrences over a median follow-up of 74 months (range: 1–300 months). The 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was 69.8%. The 5-year locoregional recurrence-free probability (RFP) was 63.2% and the 10-year distant RFP was 71.7%. The 5-year DSS for high grade tumors was 64.2 and 85.7% for low grade tumors (p = 0.117).

Conclusion This study contributes an updated analysis of anterior skull base sarcomas. Five-year DSS is approximately 70%. Analysis of survival outcomes based on grade, tumor size, and other factors is limited by small sample size and the rarity of these tumors.
Recovery of Cranial Nerve Deficits in Patients Presenting with Pituitary Apoplexy: A Case Series
Authors: Alahmari Mohammed , Alkherayf Fahad , Lasso Andrea , Banaz Fatmahalzahra , Mohajeri Sepideh , Masoudian Pourya , Lamothe Andre , Agbi Charles , Caulley Lisa , Alshardan Mohammad , Kilty Shaun
Published: January 2021

Background Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a rare complication of pituitary tumors that can present with a myriad of symptoms, including sudden onset cranial nerve deficits. After patient stabilization and hormone replacement, surgical decompression is often recommended. The timing of surgical decompression remains controversial. In this case series, we describe our institutional experience pertaining to the cranial nerve recovery in patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal (EETS) surgery for PA while evaluating outcome based on tumor stage using the suprasellar infrasellar parasellar anterior posterior (SIPAP) classification.

Design Present study is a single-institution retrospective cohort.

Methods A retrospective review of all EETS cases for pituitary tumor resection between November 2009 and August 2018. Queries of the hospital database were completed by trained personnel to identify cases of PA treated using the EETS approach. Baseline characteristics, tumor type, endocrine data, and SIPAP classification based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and operation characteristics were extracted from medical records. Postoperative results were extracted for the duration of the follow-up period available for each patient.

Results Fifteen cases of PA were identified. Patient follow-up period was a mean of 30 months. The cranial nerve deficits present at admission were visual deficit (33%); unilateral third nerve palsy (47%) and unilateral sixth nerve palsy (27%). No fourth nerve palsies were observed. Following EETS, 60% of patients with preoperative visual deficit had normal visual fields. For those with third and sixth nerve palsies preoperatively, 43 and 75%, respectively, had return to normal function postoperatively. SIPAP tumor characteristics were not related to postoperative cranial nerve recovery.

Conclusion In this series of surgically treated patients with pituitary apoplexy, all cranial nerve deficits normalized or improved following surgery. The tumor SIPAP classification was not associated with patient outcome. Though in a small series, the presented results suggest surgical treatment is beneficial for these patients.
NeuDATool: An open source neutron data analysis tools, supporting GPU hardware acceleration, and across-computer cluster nodes parallel
Authors: Ma Chang-li , Cheng He , Zuo Tai-sen , Jiao Gui-sheng , Han Ze-hua , Qin Hong
Published: January 2021

Empirical potential structure refinement is a neutron scattering data analysis algorithm and a software package. It was developed by the disordered materials group in the British spallation neutron source (ISIS) in 1980s, and aims to construct the most-probable atomic structures of disordered materials in the field of chemical physics. It has been extensively used during the past decades, and has generated reliable results. However, it implements a shared-memory architecture with open multi-processing (OpenMP). With the extensive construction of supercomputer clusters and the widespread use of graphics processing unit (GPU) acceleration technology, it is now possible to rebuild the EPSR with these techniques in the effort to improve its calculation speed. In this study, an open source framework NeuDATool is proposed. It is programmed in the object-oriented language C++, can be paralleled across nodes within a computer cluster, and supports GPU acceleration. The performance of NeuDATool has been tested with water and amorphous silica neutron scattering data. The test shows that the software can reconstruct the correct microstructure of the samples, and the calculation speed with GPU acceleration can increase by more than 400 times, compared with CPU serial algorithm at a simulation box that has about 100 thousand atoms. NeuDATool provides another choice to implement simulation in the (neutron) diffraction community, especially for experts who are familiar with C++ programming and want to define specific algorithms for their analysis.
Wavelength dependent photodissociation of OCS via F
31Π Rydberg state:
CO(X1Σ+)+S(1D2)
product channel
Authors: Xu Fei , Tan Yu-xin , Yuan Dao-fu , Chen Wen-tao , Yu Sheng-rui , Xie Ting , Wang Tao , Yang Xue-ming , Wang Xing-an
Published: January 2021

The vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation of OCS via the F 31Π Rydberg states was investigated in the range of 134–140 nm by means of the time-sliced velocity map ion imaging technique. The images of S(1D2) products from the CO(X1Σ+)+S(1D2) dissociation channel were acquired at five photolysis wavelengths, corresponding to a series of symmetric stretching vibrational excitations in OCS(F 31Π, υ1=0–4). The total translational energy distributions, vibrational populations and angular distributions of CO(X1Σ+, υ) coproducts were derived. The analysis of experimental results suggests that the excited OCS molecules dissociate to CO(X1Σ+) and S(1D2) products via non-adiabatic couplings between the upper F 31Π states and the lower-lying states both in the C∞υ and Cs symmetry. Furthermore, strong wavelength dependent behavior has been observed: the greatly distinct vibrational populations and angular distributions of CO(X1Σ+, υ) products from the lower (υ1=0–2) and higher (υ1=3, 4) vibrational states of the excited OCS(F 31Π, υ1) demonstrate that very different mechanisms are involved in the dissociation processes. This study provides evidence for the possible contribution of vibronic coupling and the crucial role of vibronic coupling on the vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation dynamics.
Nonlinear amplification based on a tightly phase locked 750 MHz Yb:fiber frequency comb
Authors: Xu B. , Ma Y. , Ishii H. , Matsushima I. , Zhang Z. , Minoshima K.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a nonlinear amplification system for a low noise 750 MHz ytterbium-doped fiber frequency comb is developed with a repetition rate stabilized to a continuous wave laser by employing a bulk electro-optic modulator. By managing the dispersion prior to the nonlinear amplifier, the proposed high-power frequency comb light source can deliver over 10 W of <90 fs pulse trains with an integrated relative intensity noise instability of 0.04%. Moreover, the noise characteristics of the proposed amplified comb, where the seed laser is a tightly stabilized 750 MHz fiber frequency comb, are analyzed in several representative states of different launched pump powers and pre-chirping group delay dispersions. The optical fiber frequency combs produced by nonlinear amplification may serve as an alternative for achieving high-power and ultrafast combs with good phase stability.