bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of ethoxyquin residues in animal feed using QuEChERS and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and its results from Catalonian production 2018–2019
Authors: Sanchez Costa Laia , Pujol Boira Judit , Aragó Iglesias Miriam , Rodríguez Martínez Pilar , Medina Sala Mireia
Published: July 2020

Regulation (EU) 2017/962 suspended ethoxyquin authorisation as a feed additive for all animal species. This method allows the fast and efficient determination of ethoxyquin in complex matrices and becomes a crucial tool for agri-food laboratories.
Establishment and application of a novel fluorescence-based analytical method for the rapid detection of viable bacteria in different samples
Authors: Yin Qiuyue , Nie Maiqian , Diwu Zhenjun , Zhang Yuting , Wang Lei , Yin Dandan , Li Liancheng
Published: July 2020

A rapid method for readily detecting the numbers of viable bacterial cells in numerous samples (surface water, solid inoculants and soil samples) is reported using a newly developed hand-held fluorometer and a fluorescent dye Calcein UltraGreen™ AM.
The development of phosphorescent probes forin vitroandin vivobioimaging
Authors: Zhen Xu , Qu Rui , Chen Weizhi , Wu Wei , Jiang Xiqun
Published: July 2020

This review mainly introduces the phosphorescent probes appliedin vitroandin vivobioimaging.
Fabrication of MoS2/BiOBr heterojunctions on carbon fibers as a weaveable photocatalyst for tetracycline hydrochloride degradation and Cr(vi) reduction under visible light
Authors: Shi Zhun , Zhang Yan , Duoerkun Gumila , Cao Wei , Liu Ting , Zhang Lisha , Liu Jianshe , Li Maoquan , Chen Zhigang
Published: July 2020

CFs/MoS2/BiOBr bundles can be woven into a recyclable cloth-like photocatalyst for removing organic and metal-ions pollutants in water.
Human gastrointestinal conditions affectin vitrodigestibility of peanut and bread proteins
Authors: Torcello-Gómez Amelia , Dupont Didier , Jardin Julien , Briard-Bion Valérie , Deglaire Amélie , Risse Kerstin , Mechoulan Elodie , Mackie Alan
Published: July 2020

Peanut and wheat proteins either isolated or within the food matrix were subjected to different staticin vitrodigestion models (infant, fed and fasted adult). Proteolysis differed across models.
Centrifugal microfluidic device for the high-throughput synthesis of Pd@AuPt core–shell nanoparticles to evaluate the performance of hydrogen peroxide generation
Authors: Nguyen Hau Van , Kim Ki Yoon , Nam Hyobin , Lee Seung Yong , Yu Taekyung , Seo Tae Seok
Published: July 2020

We propose a novel high-throughput screening platform using a centrifugal microfluidic device for producing combinatorial tri-metallic catalysts.
Placement of tyrosine residues as a design element for tuning the phase transition of elastin-peptide-containing conjugates: experiments and simulations
Authors: Taylor Phillip A. , Huang Haofu , Kiick Kristi L. , Jayaraman Arthi
Published: July 2020

This study uses simulations and experiments to explain why and how the placement of tyrosine residues in elastin-peptide containing conjugates impacts their transition temperature.
Status and prospects of porous graphene networks for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Sun Chongbo , Liu Yingqi , Sheng Jinzhi , Huang Qikai , Lv Wei , Zhou Guangmin , Cheng Hui-Ming
Published: July 2020

A systematical summary of the recent progress of porous graphene networks applied in different components of lithium–sulfur batteries.
Highly conductive, stretchable, and breathable epidermal electrode based on hierarchically interactive nano-network
Authors: Fan You Jun , Yu Peng Tao , Liang Fei , Li Xin , Li Hua Yang , Liu Lu , Cao Jin Wei , Zhao Xue Jiao , Wang Zhong Lin , Zhu Guang
Published: July 2020

A highly stretchable epidermal electrode and elastic circuits with hierarchically interactive nano-networks are demonstrated that can form the foundation for breathable electronic skins.
Exploring the thermoelectric properties of oligo(phenylene-ethynylene) derivatives
Authors: Chen Hang , Sangtarash Sara , Li Guopeng , Gantenbein Markus , Cao Wenqiang , Alqorashi Afaf , Liu Junyang , Zhang Chunquan , Zhang Yulong , Chen Lijue , Chen Yaorong , Olsen Gunnar , Sadeghi Hatef , Bryce Martin R. , Lambert Colin J. , Hong Wenjing
Published: July 2020

Seebeck coefficient measurements provide unique insights into the electronic structure of single-molecule junctions.
A combination of an organic alloy and a heterojunction towards a rod–tail helix architecture with dual-color-emitting properties
Authors: Zhang Hongyang , Wang Haitao , Qian Peng-Cheng , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: July 2020

An unprecedented core–shell structure was constructed by a co-assembly process. The organic alloy BA0.72BN0.28 can deposit on the BA rod via a solution-epitaxy first and then spread out at the tip by turning it into its original helical morphology.
Synthesis of trifluoromethylthioesters from aldehydes via a visible light-promoted radical process
Authors: Wang Meng-Yue , Zhu Xue-Qing , Zhang Xing-Long , Guo Rui-Li , Jia Qiong , Wang Yong-Qiang
Published: July 2020

An unprecedented visible light-promoted approach to the synthesis of trifluoromethylthioesters from aldehydes has been developed.
Quenching of fluorescently labeled pyrrolidinyl peptide nucleic acid by oligodeoxyguanosine and its application in DNA sensing
Authors: Charoenpakdee Chayan , Vilaivan Tirayut
Published: July 2020

Oligodeoxyguanosine effectively quenches the fluorescence of PNA probesviaelectrostatic interaction, and the signal is restored by the addition of complementary DNA targets.
Synergetic effect of hollowrization and sulfonation on improving the photocatalytic performance of covalent porphyrin polymers in the reduction of CO2
Authors: Zhang Yue , Wang Yuting , An Lian-Cai , Chen Juanjuan , Zhang Tianhao , Zhang Ying-Hui
Published: July 2020

Markedly improved photocatalytic reduction of CO2 by a porous porphyrin polymer was triggered by the synergic effect of hollowrization and sulfonation.
Study on the biodegradability of modified starch/polylactic acid (PLA) composite materials
Authors: Yu Meihong , Zheng Yongjie , Tian Jingzhi
Published: July 2020

In this work, polylactic acid/thermoplastic acetylated starch (PLA/TPAS) composites were prepared using PLA as a matrix material and TPAS as a modifier.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy of organic sulfoxides
Authors: Vogt Linda I. , Cotelesage Julien J. H. , Dolgova Natalia V. , Titus Charles J. , Sharifi Samin , George Simon J. , Pickering Ingrid J. , George Graham N.
Published: July 2020

This study develops an understanding of the X-ray absorption near-edge spectra of organic sulfoxides using the sulfur and oxygen K-edges.
Fabrication of hierarchically porous superhydrophilic polycaprolactone monolith based on nonsolvent-thermally induced phase separation
Authors: Cao Yu , Han Wenjuan , Pu Ziyang , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Bo , Liu Chuntai , Uyama Hiroshi , Shen Changyu
Published: July 2020

The hierarchically porous PCL monolith was fabricated via nonsolvent-thermally induced phase separation method.
Contactless thin-film rheology unveiled by laser-induced nanoscale interface dynamics
Authors: Verma Gopal , Chesneau Hugo , Chraïbi Hamza , Delabre Ulysse , Wunenburger Régis , Delville Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2020

A new local, active, fast and contactless strategy based on the optical radiation pressure is developed to characterize thin-film rheology and surface tension.
Multiple Co-Occurring Vestibular Disorders Identified Using the Dizziness Symptom Profile
Authors: Roberts Richard A. , Jacobson Gary P. , Hatton Kelsey
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the current investigation was to determine the interrelations among vestibular disorders from a data set generated from the patient perspective as compared to previous data generated from the physician's perspective.

Method

The data for the current investigation originated from a previously published study describing the development of the Dizziness Symptom Profile (DSP; Jacobson et al.,
2019
). The DSP is a 31-item patient self-report tool designed to help primary care physicians in the development of a differential diagnosis using the patient's level of agreement with each dizziness and symptom-related statement. Responses to these items converge on common vestibular diagnoses and were previously found to agree with ear specialist differential diagnoses 70.3% of the time. Data were collected for 131 subjects (
M
age
= 56.7 years, 72 women) seen for evaluation in a tertiary dizziness specialty clinic. For this study, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine the frequency of single diagnoses, multiple diagnoses, co-occurring diagnoses, and patterns of co-occurrence.

Results

Results indicated that 52.7% of patients endorsed a single vestibular diagnosis and 47.3% endorsed two or more vestibular diagnoses. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and vestibular migraine were the most common single diagnoses and also the most common co-occurring diagnoses. As the number of diagnoses endorsed on the DSP increased, so did the percentage of time that BPPV and vestibular migraine would occur.

Conclusions

Results support and extend the work of others but using data generated from the perspective of the patient. A slight majority of patients endorsed a single disorder, but almost as many patients endorsed more than one vestibular diagnosis. BPPV and vestibular migraine were the most common single vestibular diagnoses and also the most common co-occurring vestibular diagnoses; vestibular migraine was more common when multiple diagnoses were endorsed. Results suggest it is common for patients to volunteer symptoms that cannot be explained by a single vestibular diagnosis. This finding is in agreement with physician-generated diagnosis data. Clinicians should consider the possibility of co-occurring diagnoses in complicated patients or in patients who are not responding optimally to management of a single vestibular disorder. The DSP is a tool that encourages clinicians to consider multiple co-occurring vestibular disorders as the source of patient complaints.
Null controllability of a coupled degenerate system with the first and zero order terms by a single control
Authors: Wu Bin , Chen Qun , Wang Tingchun , Wang Zewen
Published: July 2020

This paper concerns the null controllability of a system ofmlinear degenerate parabolic equations with coupling terms of first and zero order, and only one control force localized in some arbitrary nonempty open subsetωof Ω. The key ingredient for proving the null controllability is to obtain the observability inequality for the corresponding adjoint system. Due to the degeneracy, we transfer to study an approximate nondegenerate adjoint system. In order to deal with the coupling first order terms, we first prove a new Carleman estimate for a degenerate parabolic equation in Sobolev spaces of negative order. Based on this Carleman estimate, we obtain a uniform Carleman estimate and then an observation inequality for this approximate adjoint system.
MixedH2/H∞guaranteed cost control for high speed elevator active guide shoe with parametric uncertainties
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhang Ruijun , Zhang Qing , Liu Lixin
Published: July 2020

Aiming at the phenomenon that the elevator car system generates horizontal vibration due to the unevenness of the guide rail and the guide shoe modeling uncertainty caused by friction, wear and spring aging between the rolling guide shoe and the guide rail, a mixedH2/H∞optimal guaranteed cost state feedback control strategy is proposed. Firstly, as the high-speed elevator car system always exist the phenomenon of stiffness and damping uncertainty in the guide shoe, the LFT method is adopted to construct the state space equation of the car system with parameter uncertainty. Secondly, considering the performance indexes of horizontal acceleration at the center of the car floor and the guide shoe vibration displacement system, an optimal guaranteed performance state feedback controller is designed based on the linear convex optimization method, which to minimizeH2performance index and achieve the specifiedH∞performance level. Thirdly, the free matrix is introduced to reduce the conservatism of the controller. Finally, by comparing the simulation results with other control methods under the same conditions, it is verified that the control strategy can make the car system have better vibration suppression ability, and can significantly improve the ride comfort of the elevator.
Nierenzysten und zystische Nierenerkrankungen bei Kindern (AWMF S2k-Leitlinie)
Authors: Gimpel Charlotte , Bergmann Carsten , Brinkert Florian , Cetiner Metin , Gembruch Ulrich , Haffner Dieter , Kemper Markus , König Jens , Liebau Max , Maier Rolf Felix , Oh Jun , Pape Lars , Riechardt Silke , Rolle Udo , Rossi Rainer , Stegmann Joachim , Vester Udo , Kaisenberg Constantin von , Weber Stefanie , Schaefer Franz
Published: July 2020

Die Leitlinie wurde im Konsens aller relevanten deutschen Fachgesellschaften zusammen mit Patientenvertretern erstellt. Standard der prä- und postnatalen Bildgebung von Nierenzysten ist die Sonografie, die auch im Abdomen und inneren Genitale extrarenale Manifestationen ausschließen soll. Die MRT hat einzelne Indikationen. Bei Verdacht auf zystische Nierenerkrankungen ist eine kindernephrologische Vorstellung indiziert. Die pränatale Betreuung muss auf sehr unterschiedliche Schweregrade zugeschnitten werden. Bei renalem Oligohydramnion wird eine Entbindung in einem Perinatalzentrum der höchsten Stufe empfohlen. Neugeborenen sollte eine Nierenersatztherapie nicht allein aufgrund des Alters vorenthalten werden. Bei unilateraler multizystischer Nierendysplasie ist keine funktionelle Bildgebung oder Nephrektomie notwendig, aber (wie auch bei uni- oder bilateraler Nierenhypo-/dysplasie mit Zysten) eine langfristige nephrologische Überwachung. Bei der ARPKD (autosomal rezessive polyzystische Nierenerkrankung), Nephronophthise, Bardet-Biedl-Syndrom und HNF1B-Mutationen müssen extrarenale Manifestationen beachtet werden; eine genetische Testung ist hier sinnvoll. Kinder mit tuberöser Sklerose, Tumorprädispositionen (z. B. von Hippel Lindau Syndrom) oder hohem Risiko für erworbene Nierenzysten sollten regelmäßige Nierensonografien erhalten. Auch asymptomatische Kinder von Eltern mit ADPKD (aut. dominanter polyzystischer Nierenerkrankung) sollten regelmäßig auf Hypertonie und Proteinurie untersucht werden. Eine präsymptomatische sonografische oder genetische Diagnostik dieser Minderjährigen sollte nur nach ausführlicher Aufklärung erwogen werden. Einfache (isolierte) Zysten sind bei Kindern sehr selten und eine ADPKD eines Elternteils sollte ausgeschlossen sein. Komplexe Nierenzysten bedürfen weiterer Abklärung.
Qualität der psychiatrischen (Krankenhaus-)Versorgung – Perspektiven?
Authors: Kunze Heinrich , Schepker Renate
Published: July 2020

Deutschland hat eine vergleichsweise gute Versorgungsqualität für bestimmte Patientengruppen und gehört bezüglich der Ausgaben zur Spitze Europas. Die Differenzierung des Versorgungssystems seit der Psychiatrie-Enquete war mit einer zunehmenden Fragmentierung der Angebote verbunden. Diese Zergliederung trägt zur Fragmentierung der Beziehungen der Patienten zu ihren Behandlern und zum sozialen Umfeld bei. Das Aufnahmemanagement in Kliniken erscheint weiterhin verbesserungswürdig. Sektorenübergreifende Behandlungsformen sind im Ausland und modellhaft erprobt worden und sollten als Vorbild für politisches Handeln im Versorgungssystem konsequent genutzt werden.

Mit den vorhandenen Ressourcen könnten bessere und wirtschaftlichere Behandlungsergebnisse erreicht werden. Das ist für die Zukunft einerseits wegen der zunehmenden Inanspruchnahme von Behandlung bei psychischen Störungen, andererseits zur Sicherung der Qualität bei chronisch und schwer psychiatrisch Erkrankten von großer Bedeutung.
RNA Sequencing of Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Tissue as a Complementary Method in Ophthalmopathology
Authors: Schlunck Günther , Boneva Stefaniya , Wolf Julian , Schlecht Anja , Reinhard Thomas , Auw-Hädrich Claudia , Lange Clemens
Published: July 2020

The high-throughput method of “Next Generation Sequencing” (NGS) allows cost-effective decoding of the nucleotide sequences of millions of RNA molecules in a sample. This makes it possible to determine the number of distinct RNA molecules in tissues or cells and to use these data to draw conclusions. The entirety of RNAs, in particular mRNAs (messenger RNAs) as potential precursors of proteins, provides a comprehensive insight into the functional state of the cells and tissues under investigation. In addition to cell cultures or unfixed tissue, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue can also be analysed for this purpose using specific methods. In this overview, the methodological strategy and its application to the field of ophthalmic histopathology are presented.
Makuladegeneration – Das Auge isst mit
Authors: Friedrichsen Hans-Peter , Gröber Uwe
Published: July 2020

Die altersbedingte Makuladegeneration (AMD) betrifft mittlerweile jeden 3. Deutschen über 60 Jahre. Das Alter, genetische Faktoren, starke UV-Exposition und Rauchen sind wichtige Risikofaktoren. Wesentliche Pathomechanismen der AMD sind oxidativer Stress, Inflammation und mitochondriale Dysfunktion. Da Therapiemöglichkeiten begrenzt sind, hat die Prävention einen hohen Stellenwert. Verschiedene Studien belegen positive Wirkungen bspw. von Glutathion, Ubiquinon/Ubiquinol, α-Liponsäure, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Astaxanthin und Curcumin sowie von Vitaminen, ω-3-Fettsäuren, Spurenelementen und sekundären Pflanzenstoffen. Für den erfolgreichen Einsatz ist eine sinnvolle Kombination und Dosierung ausschlaggebend.
Mikronährstoffversorgung im Leistungssport
Authors: Erpenbach Klaus , Mayer Wolfgang , Hoffmann Uwe , Mücke Stefan
Published: July 2020

Die vorgestellte Studie zeigt bei Leistungssportlern auf breiter Basis eine grenzwertige oder unzureichende Versorgung mit Mikronährstoffen. Mit Ausnahme von Folsäure und Vitamin B12 sind jugendliche Sportler dabei stets signifikant schlechter versorgt als die erwachsenen Athleten. Als ursächliche Faktoren werden v. a. der erhöhte Bedarf im Wachstum sowie eine kohlenhydratbetonte Ernährung der Jugendlichen diskutiert. Die durchschnittlich bessere Versorgung von A-Nationalspielern wird auf eine vom Verband gesteuerte Nährstoffsupplementierung zurückgeführt. Die Versorgung insb. mit Vitamin D, aber auch mit Coenzym Q10 und Vitamin B1 korreliert mit der Häufigkeit muskulärer Verletzungen, unter denen 73 % der untersuchten Spitzensportler leiden. Ein Zusammenhang zwischen der Nährstoffversorgung und den Parametern Infektanfälligkeit, Müdigkeit und Schlafstörungen war weniger deutlich bzw. nicht feststellbar.
Pilotstudie zum Hörscreening mit dem Mini-Audio-Test (MAT)
Authors: Löhler Jan , Schönweiler Rainer , Schlattmann Peter
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund Es gibt Hinweise, dass eine unbehandelte Schwerhörigkeit in der 2. Lebenshälfte das Risiko, an einer Demenz oder Depression zu erkranken, einen kognitiven Leistungsverlust zu erleiden, zu stürzen oder allgemein hilfsbedürftig zu werden, erhöht. Ein Großteil der Betroffenen ist nicht adäquat, z. B. mit Hörgeräten, behandelt. Der Mini-Audio-Test (MAT) ist ein evaluierter Fragebogen, der eine bisher nicht bekannte Schwerhörigkeit aufdecken kann. Mit dieser Studie sollte die Einsatzfähigkeit des MAT in einer repräsentativen Stichprobe der erwachsenen Bevölkerung getestet werden.

Methoden Im Frühjahr 2019 wurden insgesamt 123 Personen im Rahmen einer repräsentativen Befragung u. a. zu ihrem Hörvermögen mittels MAT befragt. Probanden mit auffälligem MAT wurde empfohlen, sich bei einem HNO-Arzt untersuchen zu lassen. Die zugehörigen Daten wurden anonymisiert zentral erfasst und deskriptiv statistisch ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt waren 79 der angesprochenen Probanden im Alter von 28 bis 93 Jahren bereit, an der Befragung teilzunehmen. Von diesen haben 63 den MAT ausgefüllt, 22 davon waren bereit, sich HNO-ärztlich untersuchen zu lassen; dieses ist nur in einem Fall tatsächlich geschehen.

Diskussion Ein unspezifischer Einsatz des MAT zum Screening auf Schwerhörigkeit erscheint zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt wenig Erfolg versprechend. Sinnvoller erscheint der strukturierte Einsatz, z. B. im Rahmen eines regulären Arztbesuchs ab dem 50. Lebensjahr. Ferner sollte die Bevölkerung grundsätzlich besser über die Risiken einer unbehandelten Schwerhörigkeit aufgeklärt werden.
Snare-tip soft coagulation is effective and efficient as a first-line modality for treating intraprocedural bleeding during Barrett’s mucosectomy
Authors: Vosko Sergei , Gupta Sunil , Shahidi Neal , Hourigan Luke F. , van Hattem W. Arnout , Bar-Yishay Iddo , Schoeman Scott , Sidhu Mayenaaz , Burgess Nicholas G. , Lee Eric Y. T. , Bourke Michael J.
Published: July 2020

Background Intraprocedural bleeding (IPB) during multiband mucosectomy (MBM) for Barrett’s neoplasia can obscure the endoscopic field. Current hemostatic devices may affect procedure continuity and technical success. Snare-tip soft coagulation (STSC) as a first-line therapy for primary hemostasis has not previously been studied in this setting.

Methods Between January 2014 and November 2019, 191 consecutive patients underwent 292 MBM procedures for Barrett’s neoplasia within a prospective observational cohort in two tertiary care centers. A standard MBM technique was performed. IPB was defined as bleeding obscuring the endoscopic field that required intervention. The primary outcome was the technical success and efficacy of STSC.

Results IPB occurred in 63 MBM procedures (21.6 %; 95 % confidence interval 17.3 % – 26.7 %). STSC was attempted as first-line therapy in 51 IPBs, with the remainder requiring alternate therapies because of pooling of blood. STSC achieved hemostasis in 48 cases (94.1 % by per-protocol analysis; 76.2 % by intention-to-treat analysis). No apparatus disassembly was required to perform STSC.

Conclusions STSC is a safe, effective, and efficient first-line hemostatic modality for IPB during MBM for Barrett’s neoplasia.
Modified Partial Lateral Facetectomy of the Patella for Stage III Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis with 5-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Wang Mingjun , Li Xiaofeng , Li Peng , Wang Hongyan , Gao Wenxiang
Published: July 2020

The main aim of this article was to examine the therapeutic evaluation of our modified partial lateral facetectomy of the patella for stage III lateral patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA), which includes (1) partial lateral patella articular facet that was resected; (2) coronal Z-shaped incision to lengthen lateral retinaculum; (3) patellar perimeter electrocoagulation to denervate. Between December 2008 and January 2013, 36 knees of 32 patients with severe patellofemoral (PF) osteoarthritis (OA) were treated with our modified partial patellar lateral facetectomy. All patients were stage III according to the Iwano scale, and their patellas were all Wiberg type III or Baumgartl type IV in shape. The study group included 6 males and 26 females with an average age of 54.03 years and an average disease course of 8.67 years. The modified Kujala scores were used to evaluate PF function, and the congruence angle was used to evaluate the patellar position. Knee Society Scores (KSS) were used to evaluate overall knee function. Six knees of five cases were lost to follow-up. Thirty knees of 27 cases were followed up for 5 years, with an average follow-up time of 60 ± 3.2 months. The average preoperative modified Kujala score was 15.93, and the average score at last follow-up was 32.03; The satisfactory PF function was achieved in 28 knees (93.33%). The congruence angle improved from preoperative +23. 07 degrees to 11. 91 degrees at the last follow-up. The average preoperative KSS were 110.40 points, which increased to 156.77 points at the last postoperative follow-up. Pain was significantly relieved, and the ability to climb stairs was significantly improved. All scores showed statistically significant improvements after surgery (p < 0.05). No complications were reported. Our modified partial lateral facetectomy of the patella for stage III lateral PFOA can relieve pain and partially improve function. This modified procedure is relatively simple, safe, and an effective treatment method for middle-aged and elderly patients with PFOA. Furthermore, this surgery can be used as an alternative or prephase to total knee arthroplasty. This is a Level IV, therapeutic study.
Detection and Measurement of Intracranial Aneurysm Compared between Magnetic Resonance Intracranial Black Blood Vessel Imaging and Gold Standard Cerebral Digital Subtraction Angiography
Authors: Songsaeng Dittapong , Sakarunchai Ittichai , Mongkolnaowarat Sakun , Harmontree Sasithorn , Pornpunyawut Prapaporn , Suwanbundit Anek , Zhang Shuo , Krings Timo
Published: July 2020

Background Magnetic resonance intracranial black blood vessel imaging (MR-IBBVI) is a new noninvasive method for evaluating intracranial vessel wall pathology. No previous studies have investigated the efficacy of MR-IBBVI to determine aneurysm size. We aimed to identify the precise diagnosis of MR-IBBVI for the detection and measurement of intracranial aneurysm compared with gold standard cerebral digital subtraction angiography (cDSA).

Materials and Methods The retrospective study collected patients of precoiled or postcoiled intracranial aneurysm who were treated at our institute from January 2012 to June 2019 and who had MR-IBBVI, cDSA imaging, and/or three-dimensional time-of-flight sequence of magnetic resonance angiography. The sensitivity and specificity of aneurysm detection by MR-IBBVI and the accuracy of MR-IBBVI for measuring the aneurysm and vessel size were calculated.

Results One hundred and twenty patients (61% female) with 132 aneurysms were included into this study. The mean aneurysm size was 5.3 mm (range: 2.2–22.6). Sensitivity and specificity of MR-IBBVI to detect a small aneurysm were 98.74 and 91.21%, respectively. No statistically significant results were observed between MR-IBBVI and DSA for aneurysm detection or any of the evaluated measurement parameters.

Conclusion MR-IBBVI is an accurate and highly sensitive method to detect and evaluate the size of an intracranial aneurysm both before and after coiling.
Progesterone Receptor Expression and Score Differences in Determining Grade and Subtype of Meningioma
Authors: Poniman Jeni , Cangara Muh Husni , Kaelan Cahyono , Miskad Upik A. , Arsyadi Gunawan , Ghaznawe Mahmud , Daud Dasril , Ihwan Andi , Rosyidi Rohadi Muhammad
Published: July 2020

Background Meningioma is the most common brain tumor in which therapy and monitoring depend on the histopathological grade (World Health Organization [WHO] Grade). Progesterone receptor (PR) expression was reported positive in meningothelial cells and meningiomas with various degrees of positivity. We evaluated PR expression to determine its correlation with WHO Grade and each subtype of meningioma.

Materials and Methods This study used 70 samples of paraffin block that were diagnosed as meningioma and classified into WHO Grade I, II, and III. The paraffin blocks were sectioned in 5 µm thickness and immunohistochemically stained with the anti-PR antibody.

Results PR expression was found positive in WHO Grade I and II groups, but negative in WHO Grade III group with the score of +2 found in clear cell and atypical subtype. These results were statistically significant with p-value < 0.05.

Conclusion PR can be used as an additional marker to determine WHO Grade and subtype of meningioma.
Cross-finger Flap to the Thumb: Quest for an Alternate Donor
Authors: Chitta Madhavi , Malathi Lekshmi , Joseph Aneesh
Published: July 2020

Background Distal thumb injuries are managed by multiple local and regional flaps. The cross-finger flap (CFF) is one versatile flap used to cover such defects. The donor finger to the thumb is classically described to be the index finger (IF). However, with the index finger being the second most important finger, it causes further debilitation of the already injured hand. Our aim was to find an alternate donor finger to spare the index finger.

Methods and Materials A prospective observational study was conducted on 10 patients with distal thumb injuries who were admitted between November 2018 and July 2019. Ring finger (RF) was used as donor for CFF in all the cases. The subjects were assessed for first web space angle, Kapandji score, total range of movement (TRM) of long fingers, and global hand function using Michigan hand outcome questionnaire (MHQ) after flap division.

Results There was no first web contracture and TRM of IF remained unaffected. However, TRM of RF was significantly reduced. But this being a relatively unimportant finger, there was no significant reduction in global hand function, as evaluated by the MHQ score.

Conclusion The ring finger is a good alternative for index finger as donor for CFF to the thumb, because it provides adequate tissue along with comfortable positioning and easy maintenance of local hygiene. Moreover, it preserves global hand function by sparing the IF.
Retrospective Cohort Observational Study on the Single Best Perforator-Based Pacman Flap in the Reconstruction of Stage IV Sacral Region Pressure Ulcers
Authors: Balakrishnan T. M. , Mariappan Basker Kanagaraj , Jaganmohan J.
Published: July 2020

Introduction Single best perforator-based Pacman flap (SBPBPF) fortifies the advancement and transposition flap biogeometry principles with robust blood supply of perforator flaps to provide cover for the sacral pressure sore of any dimension. This article describes the biogeometry and technique of raising the SBPBPF.

Aim To assess the outcomes of reconstruction of stage IV sacral pressure sore using the SBPBPF.

Materials and Methods A preliminary cadaver study was done in 24 gluteal specimens in fresh cadavers to determine the anatomical details of perforators of the perisacral region. From 2015 to 2017, 42 myelopathic patients (40 males and 2 females; quadriparetic n = 2 and paraplegic/paraparetic n = 40) underwent SBPBPF reconstruction of stage IV sacral pressure sore. Their documents were analyzed in this retrospective study. All were followed-up for an average period of 12.5 months.

Results Cadaver study revealed significant perforators arising from seven different source vessels in the perisacral region. In the clinical study, average size of the paddle harvested was 168 cm2 on a single best perforator. On an average, the size of the single best perforator harvested with the flap was 1.5 mm. None had early failures of flaps. Thirty-nine patients had well-settled flaps at the end of follow-up period except three (7%) who developed late recurrence due to loss of compliance with offloading instructions. Two experienced mild collections (flap complication rate was 4.76%) in the immediate postoperative period that healed uneventfully. The overall complication rate was 11.9%.

Conclusion SBPBPF is an excellent addendum to reconstructive tool for stage IV sacral pressure sores.
An open-source coding paradigm for electronic structure calculations
Authors: Kim Meeri
Published: July 2020

The Electronic Structure Library (ESL) has created an effective collaboration platform for a better way to develop software that utilizes electronic structure theory.
A machine learning based approach for phononic crystal property discovery
Authors: Sadat Seid M. , Wang Robert Y.
Published: July 2020

Phononic crystals are artificially structured materials that can possess special vibrational properties that enable advanced manipulations of sound and heat transport. These special properties originate from the formation of a bandgap that prevents the excitation of entire frequency ranges in the phononic band diagram. Unfortunately, identifying phononic crystals with useful bandgaps is a problematic process because not all phononic crystals have bandgaps. Predicting if a phononic crystal structure has a bandgap, and if so, the gap's center frequency and width is a computationally expensive process. Herein, we explore machine learning as a rapid screening tool for expedited discovery of phononic bandgap presence, center frequency, and width. We test three different machine learning algorithms (logistic/linear regression, artificial neural network, and random forests) and show that random forests performs the best. For example, we show that a random phononic crystal selection has only a 17% probability of having a bandgap, whereas after incorporating rapid screening with the random forests model, this probability increases to 89%. When predicting the bandgap center frequency and width, this model achieves coefficient of determinations of 0.66 and 0.85, respectively. If the model has a priori knowledge that a bandgap exists, the coefficients of determination for center and width improve to 0.97 and 0.85, respectively. We show that most of the model's performance gains are achieved for training datasets as small as ∼5000 samples. Training the model with just 500 samples led to reduced performance but still yielded algorithms with predictive values.
Perspectives on cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) applications in medicine
Authors: von Woedtke Thomas , Emmert Steffen , Metelmann Hans-Robert , Rupf Stefan , Weltmann Klaus-Dieter
Published: July 2020

Plasma medicine is an innovative research field combining plasma physics, life science, and clinical medicine. It is mainly focused on the application cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in therapeutic settings. Based on its ability to inactivate microorganisms but also to stimulate tissue regeneration, current medical applications are focused on the treatment of wounds and skin diseases. Since CAP is also able to inactivate cancer cells, its use in cancer therapy is expected to be the next field of clinical plasma application. Other promising applications are expected in oral medicine and ophthalmology. It is the current state of knowledge that biological CAP effects are mainly based on the action of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species supported by electrical fields and UV radiation. However, continuing basic research is not only essential to improve, optimize, and enlarge the spectrum of medical CAP applications and their safety, but it is also the basis for identification and definition of a single parameter or set of parameters to monitor and control plasma treatment and its effects. In the field of CAP plasma devices, research and application are currently dominated by two basic types: dielectric barrier discharges and plasma jets. Its individual adaptation to specific medical needs, including its combination with technical units for continuous and real-time monitoring of both plasma performance and the target that is treated, will lead to a new generation of CAP-based therapeutic systems.
Influence of dislocations on thermal conductivity of strontium titanate
Authors: Johanning Melanie , Porz Lukas , Dong Jinfeng , Nakamura Atsutomo , Li Jing-Feng , Rödel Jürgen
Published: July 2020

Recently, several creative processing techniques yielded thermoelectrics with reduced thermal conductivity and, thereby, an enhanced figure or merit. These were based on engineered complex microstructures with attendant dislocation structures. In this study, we implement highly controlled mesoscopic dislocation structures into the model thermoelectric SrTiO3 in order to quantify phonon scattering at dislocations. Both single crystals and polycrystalline material have been furnished with enhanced dislocation densities increased by a factor of 150–300 by plastic deformation. Thermal conductivity was measured using laser flash analysis between room temperature and 325 °C. Etch pit techniques and ultra-high voltage electron microscopy afford quantification of dislocation density. Experimental results were compared to predictions by the Debye-Callaway model. The latter revealed that dislocation densities of 1015 m−2 would be necessary for the reduction of thermal conductivity of SrTiO3 in the investigated temperature range, which could not be realized using the plastic deformation mechanism applied.
The effect of strain on tunnel barrier height in silicon quantum devices
Authors: Stein Ryan M. , Stewart M. D.
Published: July 2020

Semiconductor quantum dot (QD) devices experience a modulation of the band structure at the edge of lithographically defined gates due to mechanical strain. This modulation can play a prominent role in the device behavior at low temperatures, where QD devices operate. Here, we develop an electrical measurement of strain based on I(V) characteristics of tunnel junctions defined by aluminum and titanium gates. We measure relative differences in the tunnel barrier height due to strain consistent with experimentally measured coefficients of thermal expansion (α) that differ from the bulk values. Our results show that the bulk parameters commonly used for simulating strain in QD devices incorrectly capture the impact of strain. The method presented here provides a path forward toward exploring different gate materials and fabrication processes in silicon QDs in order to optimize strain.
Intrusions and solitons: Propagation and collision dynamics
Authors: la Forgia Giovanni , Ottolenghi Luisa , Adduce Claudia , Falcini Federico
Published: July 2020

Triggering and evolution of internal solitary waves (ISWs) generated by intrusive gravity currents (IGCs) propagating into a stratified ambient fluid is analyzed by laboratory experiments. After the release of a fluid of uniform density, intermediate with respect to the upper (lower-density) and lower (higher-density) layers in the channel, the IGC develops and flows downstream, intruding into the pycnocline. Near the IGC leading front, the compression of the upper layer generates ISWs: they gradually separate from the current that propagates slower. Shoaling downstream over a uniform sloping boundary, solitons break and partially reflect. We investigate the dynamics of the interaction between the reflected ISWs and the incoming IGC. During the engage, an increase in the ISW celerity occurs, leading the celerity of the reflected waves to be even larger than the incident wave. Our analysis shows how both ISWs and IGCs can significantly change their features as they experience a change of the density structure in the water column. This is expected to occur, for example, in stratified small-scale basins, where river plumes intrude the seasonal thermocline. The radial ISWs, originated by IGCs, can then be reflected by the adjacent bottom bathymetry, spreading against the intrusive current from which they are generated.
Effect of deposition temperature on electrical properties of one-transistor-one-capacitor (1T1C) FeRAM devices
Authors: Lin Yun-Hsuan , Chen Wen-Chung , Chen Po-Hsun , Lin Chih-Yang , Chang Kai-Chun , Chang Yen-Cheng , Yeh Chien-Hung , Lin Chein-Yu , Jin Fu-Yuan , Chen Kuan-Hsu , Kuo Ting-Tzu , Hung Wei-Chieh , Lee Ya-Huan , Lin Jia-Hong , Chang Ting-Chang
Published: July 2020

This work investigates the effect of process temperature on one-transistor-one-capacitor ferroelectric random access memory (1T1C FeRAM) cells fabricated with a HfZrOx ultrathin film applied as the 1T1C capacitor. Traditionally, the capacitor in 1T1C devices is grown on the drain, and such a structure is a type of dynamic memory. Such a structure, however, is prone to the leakage current phenomenon, which causes the amount of charge stored in the capacitor to be insufficient, leading to inaccurate data reading. To solve this problem, an alternative 1T1C structure placing the capacitor on the gate terminal has been proposed. For these alternative 1T1C FeRAM devices, our experimental results indicate that the deposition temperature of the ferroelectric layer has a significant effect on the basic electrical properties. To clarify this phenomenon, we propose a physical model which is based on the effect of the deposition temperature on the HfZrOx grain size.
Heterostructure design to achieve high quality, high density GaAs 2D electron system with g-factor tending to zero
Authors: Chung Yoon Jang , Yuan S. , Liu Yang , Baldwin K. W. , West K. W. , Shayegan M. , Pfeiffer L. N.
Published: July 2020

Hydrostatic pressure is a useful tool that can tune several key parameters in solid state materials. For example, the Landé g-factor in GaAs two-dimensional electron systems (2DESs) is expected to change from its bulk value g ≃ −0.44 to zero and even to positive values under sufficiently large hydrostatic pressure. Although this presents an intriguing platform to investigate electron-electron interaction in a system with g = 0, studies are quite limited because the GaAs 2DES density decreases significantly with increasing hydrostatic pressure. Here, we show that a simple model, based on pressure-dependent changes in the conduction band alignment, quantitatively explains this commonly observed trend. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the decrease in the 2DES density can be suppressed by more than a factor of 3 through an innovative heterostructure design.
Using the Tailoring Immunization Programmes guide to improve child immunisation in Umina, New South Wales: we could still do better
Authors: Bolsewicz Katarzyna , Thomas Susan , Moore Donna , Gately Colleen , Dixon Andrew , Cook Paul , Lewis Peter
Published: July 2020

In the Central Coast Local Health District of New South Wales, Australia, childhood immunisation (CI) rates are around 95%, but pockets of underimmunisation exist. Using the World Health Organization’s Tailoring Immunization Programmes, we identified areas of potential low vaccine coverage using Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) data (2016–18) and investigated factors that influence CI. Individual and group interviews with carers, community members and service providers (n=52 participants) were conducted. Data were analysed thematically and the themes presented to stakeholders for feedback before finalisation. During 2018, Umina had 218 children at least 1 month overdue for at least one vaccination. Five themes emerged: (1) broader socioeconomic factors may apply pressures that influence CI; (2) parents largely supported immunisation and knew of its benefits to their children and the community; (3) immunisation service providers are committed, experienced and collaborate with community partners; (4) there is potential to increase access to free immunisation services in Umina; and (5) AIR data and reminder systems could be better used to inform service delivery and prompt parents before immunisations are due. This study identified opportunities to improve CI coverage in Umina and new information useful in developing a tailored immunisation strategy. Awareness of the pressures socioeconomic factors may have on families could help plan and deliver supportive primary health care that includes equitable access to immunisation.
A CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout system inAspergillus luchuensismut.kawachii
Authors: Kadooka Chihiro , Yamaguchi Masaaki , Okutsu Kayu , Yoshizaki Yumiko , Takamine Kazunori , Katayama Takuya , Maruyama Jun-Ichi , Tamaki Hisanori , Futagami Taiki
Published: July 2020

We developed an approach to genome editing of the white koji fungus, Aspergillus luchuensis mut. kawachii using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system. Co-transformation of AMA1-based Cas9 and gRNA expression plasmids achieved efficient gene knockout in A. kawachii. The plasmids were easily lost when selective pressure was removed, allowing for successive rounds of genome editing.
ClC-2 inhibition prevents macrophage foam cell formation by suppressing Nlrp3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Ding Wenyuan , Li Jiamin , Wang Lili , Zhang Mingming , Zheng Fei
Published: July 2020

Macrophage foam cell formation and inflammation are a pathological hallmark of atherosclerosis. ClC-2 has been implicated in various pathological processes, including inflammation and lipid metabolic disorder. However, the functional role of ClC-2 in macrophage foam cell formation and inflammation is unclear. Here, we found that ClC-2 was dominantly expressed in macrophages of atherosclerotic plaque and increased in atherogenesis. Knockdown of ClC-2 inhibited ox-LDL -induced lipid uptake and deposition in macrophages. The increase in CD36 expression and the decrease in ABCA1 expression induced by ox-LDL were alleviated by ClC-2 downregulation. Further, ClC-2 lacking limited the ox-LDL-induced secretion of inflammatory cytokines and chemokine, and suppressed Nlrp3 inflammasome activation. Restoration of Nlrp3 expression reversed the effect of ClC-2 downregulation on macrophage lipid accumulation and inflammation. Collectively, our study demonstrates that ClC-2 knockdown ameliorates ox-LDL-induced macrophage foam cell formation and inflammation by inhibiting Nlrp3 inflammasome activation.
24‐hour movement behaviour and executive function in preschoolers: A compositional and isotemporal reallocation analysis
Authors: Bezerra Thaynã Alves , Clark Cain Craig Truman , Souza Filho Anastácio Neco De , Fortes Leonardo De Souza , Mota Jorge Augusto Pinto Silva , Duncan Michael Joseph , Martins Clarice Maria De Lucena
Published: July 2020

Adherence to healthy behaviours promotes several health benefits in preschool children, including executive function (EF). Recently, the predictive power of the 24‐hour movement behaviour (24 h MB) composition on health outcomes has been evidenced; however, its relationship with EF in preschoolers is unknown. Thus, the present study had two objectives: (1) to analyse the associations between the 24 h MB composition and EF of preschoolers; and (2) to investigate the theoretical changes in EF when time in different movement behaviours is reallocated. This cross‐sectional study was carried out with 123 preschoolers (3–5 years old) of low socioeconomic status. Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour were assessed using an accelerometer for 7 days, sleep time was obtained through interviews with parents, and EF was measured using the Early Tool Box battery. To verify the association between 24 h MB and EF, compositional data analysis was used, and for time reallocation, compositional isotemporal substitution analysis was utilized. It was observed that the 24 h MB composition was positively associated with EF (p<. 0001;R² = 0.34), and that reallocating 5, 10, 15 or 20 min of the time spent on sleep and light PA to moderate‐to‐vigorous PA, respectively, was associated with significant improvements in EF (p< .05). These findings provide hitherto unseen insight into the relationship between 24 h MB and EF in preschool children, and warrants consideration for researchers and practitioners seeking to improve EF and PA in preschool children.