bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing the Hidden Details of Nanostructure in a Pharmaceutical Cream
Authors: Ahmadi Delaram , Mahmoudi Najet , Li Peixun , Ma Kun , Doutch James , Foglia Fabrizia , Heenan Richard K. , Barlow David , Lawrence M. Jayne
Published: March 2020

Creams are multi-component semi-solid emulsions that find widespread utility across a wide range of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care products, and they also feature prominently in veterinary preparations and processed foodstuffs. The internal architectures of these systems, however, have to date been inferred largely through macroscopic and/or indirect experimental observations and so they are not well-characterized at the molecular level. Moreover, while their long-term stability and shelf-life, and their aesthetics and functional utility are critically dependent upon their molecular structure, there is no real understanding yet of the structural mechanisms that underlie the potential destabilizing effects of additives like drugs, anti-oxidants or preservatives, and no structure-based rationale to guide product formulation. In the research reported here we sought to address these deficiencies, making particular use of small-angle neutron scattering and exploiting the device of H/D contrast variation, with complementary studies also performed using bright-field and polarised light microscopy, small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering, and steady-state shear rheology measurements. Through the convolved findings from these studies we have secured a finely detailed picture of the molecular structure of creams based on Aqueous Cream BP, and our findings reveal that the structure is quite different from the generic picture of cream structure that is widely accepted and reproduced in textbooks.
Investigation of glass forming ability of Al-based metallic glasses by measuring vaporization enthalpy
Authors: Min Byeong-uk , Lee Jun-ho , Park Ho-jun , Jeon Gyu-tae , Jeong Jae Im , Lee Sung Hyuk , Kim Suk Jun
Published: March 2020

The analysis of the enthalpy changes for vaporization (ΔHvap) of Al-based metallic glass (MG) can provide insight into the origin of the MG’s glass forming ability (GFA). The ΔHvap of three Al-based MGs, Al84.5 ± x(Y10Ni5.5)15.5 ± x, Al85 ± x(Y8Ni5Co2)15 ± x, and Al86 ± x(Y4.5Ni6Co2La1.5)14 ± x, (hereafter referred to as AYNx, AYNCx, and AYNCLx, respectively), is analyzed by measuring their weight losses below their glass transition temperatures. The relationship between ΔHvap and aluminum concentration exhibit minimum values in the range of 83–85 at.% of Al, and the ΔHvap increases, becoming saturated at 320–350 kJ/mol, as the percentage of Al deviates from this range. The depth of the enthalpy well, referring to the bottom of the parabolic graph of ΔHvap against the Al concentration, is proportional to the viscosity of clusters showing liquid-like behavior. The amount of weight loss is proportional to the concentration of these clusters. The cluster viscosity and concentration influences the overall viscosity of the MGs, and thus determines the GFA.
Genetic and phenotypic landscape of the mitochondrial genome in the Japanese population
Authors: Yamamoto Kenichi , Sakaue Saori , Matsuda Koichi , Murakami Yoshinori , Kamatani Yoichiro , Ozono Keiichi , Momozawa Yukihide , Okada Yukinori
Published: March 2020

The genetic landscape of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been elusive. By analyzing mtDNA using the whole genome sequence (WGS) of Japanese individuals (n = 1928), we identified 2023 mtDNA variants and high-resolution haplogroups. Frequency spectra of the haplogroups were population-specific and were heterogeneous among geographic regions within Japan. Application of machine learning methods could finely classify the subjects corresponding to the high-digit mtDNA sub-haplogroups. mtDNA had distinct genetic structures from that of nuclear DNA (nDNA), characterized by no distance-dependent linkage disequilibrium decay, sparse tagging of common variants, and the existence of common haplotypes spanning the entire mtDNA. We did not detect any evidence of mtDNA–nDNA (or mtDNA copy number–nDNA) genotype associations. Together with WGS-based mtDNA variant imputation, we conducted a phenome-wide association study of 147,437 Japanese individuals with 99 clinical phenotypes. We observed pleiotropy of mtDNA genetic risk on the five late-onset human complex traits including creatine kinase (P = 1.7 × 10−12).
Azithromycin electrochemical detection using a molecularly imprinted polymer prepared on a disposable screen-printed electrode
Authors: Rebelo Patrícia , Pacheco João G. , Cordeiro M. Natália D. S. , Melo André , Delerue-Matos Cristina
Published: March 2020

Azithromycin (AZY) is among the antibiotics with the highest concentrations in aqueous matrices.
Bio-inspired antibacterial cellulose paper–poly(amidoxime) composite hydrogel for highly efficient uranium(vi) capture from seawater
Authors: Gao Jinxiang , Yuan Yihui , Yu Qiuhan , Yan Bingjie , Qian Yongxin , Wen Jun , Ma Chunxin , Jiang Shaohua , Wang Xiaolin , Wang Ning
Published: March 2020

We have developed a new bio-inspired tough antibacterial cellulose paper–poly(amidoxime) composite hydrogel membrane with ultra-efficient uranium adsorption capacity and broad-spectrum antibacterial performance.
The elucidation of phospholipid bilayer–small molecule interactions using a combination of phospholipid nanodiscs and solution state NMR techniques
Authors: Townshend Georgina , Thompson Gary S. , White Lisa J. , Hiscock Jennifer R. , Ortega-Roldan Jose L.
Published: March 2020

Quantifying phospholipid bilayer–small molecule interactions is vital to the development of new drug candidates and/or medicinal therapies.
Insights into OCP identification and quantification in the context of apatite biomineralization
Authors: Robin Marc , Von Euw Stanislas , Renaudin Guillaume , Gomes Sandrine , Krafft Jean-Marc , Nassif Nadine , Azaïs Thierry , Costentin Guylène
Published: March 2020

Monitoring apatite formation throughin situRAMAN andex situssNMR spectroscopy.
Large scale indium tin oxide (ITO) one dimensional gratings for ultrafast signal modulation in the visible spectral region
Authors: Guizzardi Michele , Bonfadini Silvio , Moscardi Liliana , Kriegel Ilka , Scotognella Francesco , Criante Luigino
Published: March 2020

Indium tin oxide (ITO) is a heavily doped semiconductor with a plasmonic response in the near infrared region.
A review on fundamentals for designing oxygen evolution electrocatalysts
Authors: Song Jiajia , Wei Chao , Huang Zhen-Feng , Liu Chuntai , Zeng Lin , Wang Xin , Xu Zhichuan J.
Published: March 2020

The fundamentals related to the oxygen evolution reaction and catalyst design are summarized and discussed.
Understanding of perovskite crystal growth and film formation in scalable deposition processes
Authors: Liu Chang , Cheng Yi-Bing , Ge Ziyi
Published: March 2020

Introduction of scalable deposition methods along with morphological control of the film will be provided in the review.
Gas phase synthesis of amorphous silicon nitride nanoparticles for high-energy LIBs
Authors: Chae Sujong , Park Seungkyu , Ahn Kihong , Nam Gyutae , Lee Taeyong , Sung Jaekyung , Kim Namhyung , Cho Jaephil
Published: March 2020

We introduce a highly homogenous phase design of Si with N by scalable gas phase synthesis using a specially customized vertical furnace, which tackles the intrinsic challenges of Si anodes.
Fast room-temperature functionalization of silicon nanoparticles using alkyl silanols
Authors: van den Boom Alyssa F. J. , Pujari Sidharam P. , Bannani Fatma , Driss Hafedh , Zuilhof Han
Published: March 2020

We report a fast, easy and efficient method for the functionalization of hydrogen-terminated silicon nanoparticles (H-Si NPs). Using silanol compounds, a range of functionalized Si NPs could be produced in only 1 h reaction time at room temperature.
Exfoliation of zirconium aminophosphonates: investigation into their electronic structures by ab initio calculations
Authors: Silva Bruna Nádia N. , Tavares Sergio R. , Leitāo Alexandre A.
Published: March 2020

Recently, new structures of zirconium aminophosphonates were synthesized for different applications. We report in this work a theoretical study of these models and the calculation of electronic properties of the bulk materials and their 2D forms.
Ideal two-dimensional solid electrolytes for fast ion transport: metal trihalides MX3 with intrinsic atomic pores
Authors: Wu Maokun , Liu Pan , Li Luyan , Dong Hong , Cheng Yahui , Chen Haijun , Wang Weichao , Liu Hui , Lu Feng , Wang Wei-Hua , Cho Kyeongjae
Published: March 2020

Two-dimensional MX3 materials with intrinsic atomic pores are proposed as ideal solid electrolytes in ultrafast ionic and energy storage devices.
Polymorphism of low dimensional boron nanomaterials driven by electrostatic gating: a computational discovery
Authors: Jiao Yalong , Ma Fengxian , Gu Jinxing , Chen Zhongfang , Du Aijun
Published: March 2020

We discovered the structural diversity of 2D boron sheets and 1D ribbons triggered by electrostatic gating.
Intrinsically low thermal conductivity in a p-type semiconductor SrOCuBiSe2 with a [SrO]-intercalated CuBiSe2 structure
Authors: Luo Mengjia , Bu Kejun , Zhang Xian , Huang Jian , Wang Ruiqi , Huang Fuqiang
Published: March 2020

An intrinsically low thermal conductivity is observed in a new p-type semiconductor SrOCuBiSe2 which combines the dual effect of Bi 6s2 lone-pair electrons and rattling vibration of Cu atoms.
Synthesis of chiral [2,3]-fused indolines through enantioselective dearomatization inverse-electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction/oxidation of indoles with 2-(2-nitrovinyl)-1,4-benzoquinone
Authors: Zhao Sihan , Cheng Shaobing , Liu Hui , Zhang Jiayan , Liu Min , Yuan Weicheng , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: March 2020

Enantioselective dearomatization inverse-electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction/oxidation of indoles with 2-(2-nitrovinyl)-1,4-benzoquinone provided various novel enantioenriched [2,3]-fused indolines.
Switching the recognition ability of a photoswitchable receptor towards phosphorylated anions
Authors: Hossain Munshi Sahid , Rahaman Sk. Atiur , Hatai Joydev , Saha Monochura , Bandyopadhyay Subhajit
Published: March 2020

Altering the recognition ability towards various phosphorylated anions using photoswitchable receptors that can be modulated by light is demonstrated.
Enhancing switchable dielectric property for crystalline supramolecular rotor compounds by adding polar components
Authors: Huang Rui-Kang , Chen Xiao-Xian , Xiao Zhi-Feng , Liu De-Xuan , Zhang Wei-Xiong , Chen Xiao-Ming
Published: March 2020

Two new crystalline compounds containing non-polar and polar anions, respectively, reveal distinct dielectric switching responses.
Flower-like cobalt carbide for efficient carbon dioxide conversion
Authors: Guo Qing , Xia Shu-Guang , Li Xu-Bing , Wang Yang , Liang Fei , Lin Zhe-Shuai , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu
Published: March 2020

Flower-like Co2C enables photothermal catalytic CO2–epoxide cycloaddition with yields of up to ∼95% under solar light.
A supramolecular assembly mediated by host–guest interactions for improved chemo–photodynamic combination therapy
Authors: Mao Weipeng , Liao Yujun , Ma Da
Published: March 2020

A supramolecular nanomedicine for improved chemo–photodynamic therapy.
Pd-Catalyzed intermolecular C–H bond arylation reactions: effect of bulkiness of carboxylate ligands
Authors: Tanji Yutaka , Hamaguchi Ryo , Tsuji Yasushi , Fujihara Tetsuaki
Published: March 2020

A bulky carboxylic acid bearing one 1-adamantylmethyl and two methyl substituents at the α-position is demonstrated to work as an efficient carboxylate ligand source in Pd-catalyzed intermolecular C(sp2)–H bond arylation reactions.
Controlling the properties of the micellar and gel phase by varying the counterion in functionalised-dipeptide systems
Authors: McAulay Kate , Ucha Pedro Agís , Wang Han , Fuentes-Caparrós Ana M. , Thomson Lisa , Maklad Osama , Khunti Nikul , Cowieson Nathan , Wallace Matthew , Cui Honggang , Poole Robert J. , Seddon Annela , Adams Dave J.
Published: March 2020

The micellar aggregates formed at high pH for dipeptide-based gelators can be varied by using different alkali metal salts to prepare the solutions.
In situcatalyst reactivation for enhancing alcohol electro-oxidation and coupled hydrogen generation
Authors: Martín-Yerga Daniel , Yu Xiaowen , Terekhina Irina , Henriksson Gunnar , Cornell Ann
Published: March 2020

In situcatalyst regeneration leads to enhanced alcohol electro-oxidation in terms of conversion rate and energy requirementsversusconventional methods.
A phase-field model for the evaporation of thin film mixtures
Authors: Ronsin Olivier J. J. , Jang DongJu , Egelhaaf Hans-Joachim , Brabec Christoph J. , Harting Jens
Published: March 2020

Simulation of the structure formation of an immiscible blend upon fast drying including roughness generation.
Correction: Non-spherical micro- and nanoparticles in nanomedicine
Authors: Zhu Xingjun , Vo Chau , Taylor Madelynn , Smith Bryan Ronain
Published: March 2020

Correction for ‘Non-spherical micro- and nanoparticles in nanomedicine’ by Xingjun Zhu et al., Mater. Horiz., 2019, 6, 1094–1121.
Solution-processed organometallic quasi-two-dimensional nanosheets as a hole buffer layer for organic light-emitting devices
Authors: Liu Shihao , Wang Ying-Chiao , Chang Chi-Ming , Yasuda Takeshi , Fukui Naoya , Maeda Hiroaki , Long Peihua , Nakazato Kazuo , Jian Wen-Bin , Xie Wenfa , Tsukagoshi Kazuhito , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: March 2020

Quasi-2D organometallic bis(dithiolato)nickel nanosheets are successfully integrated into organic light-emitting devices to achieve extended device lifetime.
Multi-omic analysis reveals HIP-55-dependent regulation of cytokines release
Authors: Jiang Yunqi , Xing Zihao , Zhu Baolin , Wang Wenjing , Sun Yang , Shi Zhi , Li Zijian
Published: March 2020

HIP-55 (HPK1 [hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1] -interacting protein of 55 kDa) contains an actin-depolymerizing factor homology (ADF-H) domain at the N-terminus and a src homology 3 (SH3) domain at the C-terminus, which plays an important role in the T cell receptor (TCR) and B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling and immune system. In our previous studies, HIP-55 was found to be highly expressed in several types of tumors and function as a novel oncogenic signaling hub that regulates tumor progression and metastasis through defined functional domains, actin-binding and SH3 modules. However, the wider functions and mechanisms of HIP-55 are still unclear. Here, multi-omic analysis revealed that one of the main biofunctions of HIP-55 is the regulation of cytokines release. Furthermore, to investigate the role of HIP-55 in the cytokine production, a series Cytokine Antibody Arrays were performed to detect differentially expressed cytokines between control and HIP-55 knockdown cells. A total of 97 differentially expressed cytokines were identified from 300 cytokines in A549 cell. Bioinformatics analysis showed these differentially cytokines were mainly enriched in cancer signal pathways and IL-6 is the most critical hub in the integrated network. Analysis of RNAseq data from lung cancer patients showed that there is a strong negative correlation between HIP-55 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in samples from lung adenocarcinoma patients. Our data indicated that HIP-55 may participate in cancer progression and metastasis via regulating cytokines release.
Do We Have Effective Patient Education Materials for Age-Related Hearing Loss?
Authors: Squires Erika S. , Ou Hua
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore and compare the readability and suitability of patient education materials (PEMs) on topics of age-related hearing loss (ARHL) supplied by electronic health record (EHR) systems and organizations specializing in communication sciences and disorders (CSD).

Method

PEMs on ARHL were identified through a computerized search of EHR databases and CSD organization websites. Selected PEMs were assessed using three readability indices as well as the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM; Doak et al., 1996), which is a standardized tool to assess the content and design of written educational materials. Ten PEMs from EHR databases and 17 PEMs from CSD organizations were analyzed.

Results

Overall, 66.7% of PEMs were written above the eighth-grade readability target. PEMs from CSD organizations were significantly more difficult to read compared to those from EHR databases. In total, 85.2% of PEMs were classified as “adequate” using the SAM analysis. No significant SAM score differences were found between PEMs from CSD organizations and those from EHR databases. Common areas of weakness among PEMs were (a) failure to include a summary of key information, (b) reading level, (c) vocabulary (too advanced for the intended audience), and (d) limited subdivision of complex topics.

Conclusions

The readability and suitability of PEMs on topics of ARHL supplied by EHR providers and CSD organizations are not supportive of the health literacy skills of the average U.S. adult. It is critical to improve the readability, suitability, and comprehensibility of PEMs on ARHL to make information about hearing health care more accessible and usable.
Inner dusty envelope of the AGB stars W Hydrae, SW Virginis, and R Crateris using SPHERE/ZIMPOL
Authors: Khouri T. , Vlemmings W. H. T. , Paladini C. , Ginski C. , Lagadec E. , Maercker M. , Kervella P. , De Beck E. , Decin L. , de Koter A. , Waters L. B. F. M.
Published: March 2020

Context. The asymptotic giant branch (AGB) marks the final evolutionary stage of stars with initial masses between ~0.8 and 8 M⊙. During this phase, stars undergo copious mass loss, which contributes significantly to the enrichment of the interstellar medium. The well-accepted mass-loss mechanism requires radiation pressure acting on dust grains that form in the density-enhanced and extended AGB stellar atmospheres. The details of the mass-loss process are not yet well understood, however. For oxygen-rich AGB stars, which are the focus of this study, the dust grains that drive the wind are expected to scatter visible light very efficiently because their sizes are relative large.

Aims. We study the distribution of dust in the inner wind of oxygen-rich AGB stars to advance our understanding of the wind-driving process.

Methods. We observed light scattered off dust grains that form around three oxygen-rich AGB stars (W Hya, SW Vir, and R Crt) with mass-loss rates between 10−7 and 10−6 M⊙ yr−1 using the extreme-adaptive-optics imager and polarimeter SPHERE/ZIMPOL with three filters centred at 0.65, 0.75 and 0.82 μm. We compared the observed morphologies and the spectral dependence of the scattered light between the three sources and determined the radial profile, per image octant, of the dust density distribution around the closest target, W Hya.

Results. We find the distribution of dust to be asymmetric for the three targets. A biconical morphology is seen for R Crt, with a position angle that is very similar to those inferred from interferometric observations of maser emission and of mid-infrared continuum emission. The cause of the biconical outflow cannot be inferred from the ZIMPOL data, but we speculate that it might be the consequence of a circumstellar disc or of the action of strong magnetic fields. The dust grains polarise light more efficiently at 0.65 μm for R Crt and SW Vir and at 0.82 μm for W Hya. This indicates that at the time of the observations, the grains around SW Vir and R Crt had sizes <0.1 μm, while those around W Hya were larger, with sizes ≳0.1 μm. The asymmetric distribution of dust around R Crt makes the interpretation more uncertain for this star, however. We find that polarised light is produced already from within the visible photosphere of W Hya, which we reproduce using models with an inner dust shell that is optically thick to scattering. We fit radiative transfer models to the radial profile of the polarised light observed around W Hya and find a steep dust density profile, with steepness varying considerably with direction. We find the wind-acceleration region of W Hya to extend to at least ~7 R⋆. This is in agreement with theoretical predictions of wind acceleration up to ~12 R⋆, and highlights that ZIMPOL observations probe the crucial region around AGB stars where dust forms and is accelerated.
Operation mode of electric business logistics based on the application of two-dimensional code technology
Authors: Rao Jing
Published: March 2020

In recent years, with the irresistible pace of e-commerce development, e-commerce logistics orders show blowout growth. For the logistics industry, it is both an opportunity and a difficult problem as there are many problems such as low technology content and poor distribution efficiency. Therefore, it is a challenge that needs to be tackled to integrate technology accurately with the operation mode of e-commerce logistics. In order to improve the effect of logistics operation, bring convenience to the management of business logistics, and ultimately realize the maximum profit of logistics enterprises, based on two-dimensional code technology, this study took the specific mode of logistics operation as the research subject, applied the corresponding two-dimensional code generated to three different logistics processes, put forward specific optimization schemes, and carried out the analysis of the application results. The results showed that the intervention of two-dimensional code could protect users' privacy, prevent channel conflict, and realize logistics tracing of product information, thus effectively improve the logistics operation mode.
A transient dynamic process in a structural nonlinear system “beam – two-parameter foundation”
Authors: Gordon Vladimir , Morrev Pavel , Pilipenko Olga
Published: March 2020

A method for analytical assessment of dynamic added stress in elastic loaded beam resting on elastic two-parameter Pasternak’s foundation due to sudden destruction a part of foundation is proposed. Equations of static bending, natural and forced oscillations are written in a matrix form using state vectors including deflection, rotational angles, bending moments, and shear forces at arbitrary cross section of a beam and also using the matrices of the initial parameters influence on the stress-strain state in arbitrary cross section. The influence of foundation failure on beam’s stress-strain state, taking into account a relation between the stiffness parameters of foundation, is analyzed. The condition of smallness for the shear stiffness parameter (Pasternak’s parameter) in comparison with the stretching-compressing stiffness parameter (Vinkler’s parameter) is accepted. It is shown that the accounting of Pasternak’s parameter reduces the level of dynamic added stress in a beam when sudden destructing of a foundation. The factor of sudden defect occurrence in the system “beam – foundation” increases considerably the internal forces in a beam in comparison with quasistatic formation of the same defect.
Determination of cable tensile forces using paraseismic effects
Authors: Papán Daniel , Papánová Zuzana
Published: March 2020

By construction or by reconstruction of civil structures can be paraseismic load generated. This effect may causes cracks in buildings standing near the source of the vibrations. Numerical simulation is one of the possibilities how can be this problem analyzed. The vibrations velocities of source transmitted to the surrounding buildings can be used as excitation to the numerical simulations. In the paper is presented the case study of the assessment of the tension forces in load bearing cables in real civil structure. This estimation is based on theoretical and experimental dynamic equations comparison.
Ultrasonic NDT determination of initial and final setting time of cement paste
Authors: Misák Petr , Kucharczyková Barbara , Kocáb Dalibor , Vymazal Tomáš
Published: March 2020

There are several methods for determination of the setting and early hardening in the cementitious composites. The most common method is using the Vicat apparatus. The major disadvantage of this method is that it is invasive and therefore the measurement results exhibit high variability. The paper deals with the continual monitoring of the process of setting and early hardening of a cement paste using the ultrasonic measurement. The innovative method of using the ultrasonic NDT method for determination of the setting times of cement paste is presented in the paper.
Modal analysis of support structure of cylindrical container
Authors: Prekop Lubomir
Published: March 2020

The paper deals with dynamic analysis of a container. The analyzed structure consists of a steel support structure and a cylindrical container. The container is used for storage of road salt and other spreading materials during winter road maintenance. Three variants of support system of a structure have been analyzed. These have been introduced into the model as different boundary conditions. The modal analysis was performed, whose results are eigenfrequencies and eigenshapes of the structure. In the final part, the results obtained from the seismic analysis of the structure (displacements and internal forces) have been presented.
Hygrothermal performance of timber-concrete composite panels – theoretical investigation
Authors: Bajzecerová Viktória , Kormaníková Eva , Kanócz Ján
Published: March 2020

The concrete layer as a part of the timber-concrete composite (TCC) element makes it possible to maintain the accumulated heat and thus reduce the energy required for heating. Especially for buildings used for a sauna, swimming pools or wellness. In the TCC cross-section due to uneven thermal and humidity deformation of both materials, additional stresses occur. It can lead to the failure of partial cross-sections or composite connection. The aim of the research is to investigate the influence of changing humidity and temperature conditions of the environment on the composite adhesively bonded TCC panels without the influence of other phenomena such as mechanical stress or the effect of concrete shrinkage. The paper presents the results of the preliminary theoretical investigation before the realization of measurements on prepared specimens.
The study of the numerical diffusion in computational calculation
Authors: Kotrasova Kamila , Michalcova Vladimira
Published: March 2020

The numerical simulation of flow process and heat transfer phenomena demands the solution of continuous differential equation and energy-conservation equations coupled with the continuity equation. The choosing of computation parameters in numerical simulation of computation domain have influence on accuracy of obtained results. The choose parameters, as mesh density, mesh type and computation procedures, for the numerical diffusion of computation domain were analysed and compared. The CFD simulation in ANSYS – Fluent was used for numerical simulation of 3D stational temperature flow of the computation domain.
Homogenization of trabecular structures
Authors: Krejčí Tomáš , Jíra Aleš , Řehounek Luboš , Šejnoha Michal , Kruis Jaroslav , Koudelka Tomáš
Published: March 2020

Numerical modeling of implants and specimens made from trabecular structures can be difficult and time-consuming. Trabecular structures are characterized as spatial truss structures composed of beams. A detailed discretization using the finite element method usually leads to a large number of degrees of freedom. It is attributed to the effort of creating a very fine mesh to capture the geometry of beams of the structure as accurately as possible. This contribution presents a numerical homogenization as one of the possible methods of trabecular structures modeling. The proposed approach is based on a multi-scale analysis, where the whole specimen is assumed to be homogeneous at a macro-level with assigned effective properties derived from an independent homogenization problem at a meso-level. Therein, the trabecular structure is seen as a porous or two-component medium with the metal structure and voids filled with the air or bone tissue at the meso-level. This corresponds to a two-level finite element homogenization scheme. The specimen is discretized by a reasonable coarse mesh at the macro-level, called the macro-scale problem, while the actual microstructure represented by a periodic unit cell is discretized with sufficient accuracy, called the meso-scale problem. Such a procedure was already applied to modeling of composite materials or masonry structures. The application of this multi-scale analysis is illustrated by a numerical simulation of laboratory compression tests of trabecular specimens.
Video analysis of response of reinforced concrete beam to impact loading during drop test
Authors: Hokes Filip , Kala Jiri , Nemec Ivan
Published: March 2020

A response of concrete and reinforced concrete structures to very rapid dynamic loading shows an increase of both tensile and compressive strength. This behaviour is also accompanied by an increase of stiffness of the structure. Described response can be numerically simulated only with adequate viscous nonlinear material model of concrete. The problem of these simulations is based not only on a necessity of a derivation of the right material model but also on viscous parameters whose values are not known in advance. The proposed article deals with experimental research of the response of the reinforced concrete beam exposed to impact loading during drop test. The beam response was measured with conventional strain gauges and accelerometers and whole experiment was recorded with 1000 frames per second by slow motion camera. Measured values of vertical acceleration were then compared with results of software analysis of slow-motion video footage. The paper contains the description of the experimental research, the comparison of conventional measurements with video analysis and the simulated response of the specimen in the software based on the finite element method using the viscous material model of concrete.
Clap de fin pour le « gène de l’homosexualité »
Authors: Jordan Bertrand
Published: March 2020

Evidence for a “homosexuality gene” was claimed in the early 1990’s on the basis of linkage studies that, by current criteria, were woefully underpowered. Indeed, follow up studies gave contradictory results. Genome-wide association studies, and very large databases with detailed genetic and phenotypic data, have made possible a re-examination of this issue. While modest heritability (ca. 0.3) for homosexuality is confirmed, no major locus is found and the genetic influence appears extremely polygenic. Thus, there is no single gene, or even small set of genes, that have a strong influence on homosexuality.
Introduction aux réseaux de symptômes en psychopathologie
Authors: Gauld Christophe
Published: March 2020

Nous présentons dans cet article les grands principes méthodologiques des réseaux de symptômes en psychopathologie. Ceux-ci pourraient constituer une approche alternative au manuel diagnostique et statistique des troubles mentaux (DSM) et auxResearch Domain Criteria(RDoC), sans les exclure pour autant. Les réseaux de symptômes dépassent ou contournent certaines limites de ces classifications, mais leur avenir est encore incertain : ils devront relever des défis épistémologiques et méthodologiques, tout en parvenant à convaincre la communauté de chercheurs et de cliniciens en santé mentale de leur utilité et de leur qualité.
L’alamandine, une nouvelle molécule d’intérêt thérapeutique contre l’hypertrophie cardiaque
Authors: Coulibaly Aboubacar Sidiki Kibarou , Deriaz Caroline , Robin Philippe
Published: March 2020

Pour la cinquième année, dans le cadre du module d’enseignement « Physiopathologie de la signalisation » proposé par l’université Paris-sud, les étudiants du Master « Biologie Santé » de l’université Paris-Saclay se sont confrontés à l’écriture scientifique. Ils ont sélectionné une quinzaine d’articles scientifiques récents dans le domaine de la signalisation cellulaire présentant des résultats originaux, via des approches expérimentales variées, sur des thèmes allant des relations hôte-pathogène aux innovations thérapeutiques, en passant par la signalisation hépatique et le métabolisme. Après un travail préparatoire réalisé avec l’équipe pédagogique, les étudiants, organisés en binômes, ont ensuite rédigé, guidés par des chercheurs, une Nouvelle soulignant les résultats majeurs et l’originalité de l’article étudié. Ils ont beaucoup apprécié cette initiation à l’écriture d’articles scientifiques et, comme vous pourrez le lire, se sont investis dans ce travail avec enthousiasme ! Trois de ces Nouvelles sont publiées dans ce numéro, les autres le seront dans des prochains numéros.
Total Hip Arthroplasty for High Hip Dislocation
Authors: Hardt Sebastian , Hube Robert , Perka Carsten
Published: March 2020

Introduction Total hip arthroplasty in patients with high hip dislocation is a surgically demanding procedure. This is due to the congenital disorder of hip maturation and the resulting anatomical features. The aim of the arthroplasty is implantation of the cup prosthesis in the original centre of rotation, at the same time correcting femoral deformities and reducing the hip joint.

Indications The indications include advanced osteoarthritis in the secondary acetabulum, existing instability, severe contractures and secondary changes in adjacent joints.

Contraindications The contraindications include cerebrospinal dysfunction with impaired coordination, muscular dystrophies, overt metabolic bone disorders and complete or nearly complete absence of muscles that stabilise the hip/hip-stabilising musculature.

Operation Technique The operation is preferably performed through an anterolateral approach with the patient supine or through a posterolateral approach with the patient on his side. Sparing the pelvitrochanteric muscles is crucial for the functional outcome. Exposure of the original acetabulum is essential for correct and secure placement of the cup component. We perform planned shortening femoral osteotomy above an increase in length of more than 3.0 cm in patients without previous surgery and depending on the operative findings in previously operated patients. As a rule of thumb, the bone fragment to be removed should be approximately 60% of the distance between the planned and the preoperative position of the trochanter tip. Additional fixation is necessary only in the absence of primary stability between the parts of the femur divided by the osteotomy.

Postoperative Management In these patients, the postoperative management is determined individually depending on the stability of the prosthetic cup fixation, bone quality, rotational stability of the stem in both segments of the femur after the osteotomy, existing soft tissue contractures and the resulting postoperative leg length difference.

Complications The most frequent complications are nerve injuries, femoral fractures, malpositioning of the components, absence of integration of the components (usually due to inadequate primary stability), joint instability due to damage to the pelvitrochanteric muscles and therefore an increased risk of dislocation, pseudarthrosis of the femoral osteotomy and increased perioperative blood loss due to the prolonged operation time.

Results The currently published results show that subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy in patients with high hip dislocation with anatomic reconstruction of the original centre of rotation delivers good functional results with insignificantly increased 10-year loosening rates compared with standard management of primary hip osteoarthritis.
Praktische Anwendung von Kontrastmitteln in der Radiologie
Authors: Dederichs Maximilian
Published: March 2020

In der CT und der MRT gehören Untersuchungen mit Kontrastmittel zum Alltag. Die Durchführung dieser Untersuchungen muss gut strukturiert und patientenorientiert organisiert sein, um einen reibungslosen Ablauf zu gewährleisten. Dieser Artikel beschäftigt sich ausschließlich mit i. v.-applizierbaren Kontrastmitteln.
Optoakustische Bildgebung – Licht rein, Schall raus?
Authors: Hindelang B. , Schönmann C. , Aguirre J. , Ntziachristos V. , Biedermann T. , Darsow U.
Published: March 2020

Die optoakustische Bildgebung ist eine neuartige Bildgebungsmodalität, welche auf der Aufzeichnung und Verarbeitung von Ultraschallsignalen basiert, die im Gewebe durch Absorption von Laserlicht entstehen. Die Methode vereint guten, auf Lichtabsorption beruhenden Kontrast mit hoher Eindringtiefe und ermöglicht sowohl morphologische als auch molekulare und funktionelle Bildgebung. Sie kann mit oder ohne Kontrastmittel eingesetzt werden und ist frei von ionisierender Strahlung. Darüber hinaus ist die Technik skalierbar und kann somit zur makroskopischen, mesoskopischen und mikroskopischen Bildgebung verwendet werden.

In den letzten Jahren wurden eine Reihe verschiedener Systeme zur optoakustischen Bildgebung entwickelt und in vielfältigen Bereichen der präklinischen und klinischen Forschung eingesetzt. In der Dermatologie zeigten sich vielversprechende Anwendungsgebiete der Optoakustik insbesondere in der Untersuchung von Melanomen, Wächterlymphknoten und nicht-melanozytärem Hautkrebs sowie in der Charakterisierung von entzündlichen Hauterkrankungen.

In diesem Review sollen die technischen Grundlagen der optoakustischen Bildgebung erläutert sowie der derzeitige Stand der Forschung hinsichtlich Anwendungsbereiche makroskopischer, mesoskopischer und mikroskopischer optoakustischer Systeme beschrieben und diskutiert werden.
Dermatofluoroskopie – Ist angeregtes Melanin anregend?
Authors: Fink C.
Published: March 2020

Die Technologie der Dermatofluoroskopie beruht auf einer selektiven Anregung der Melaninfluoreszenz durch stufenweise 2-Photonen-Absorption. Hierbei wird das Melanin in einer Spektralregion angeregt, in der keine andere Hautkomponente absorbiert. Dadurch wird die Melaninfluoreszenz erstmals messbar. Unter Verwendung dieser Technik wird die Läsion Punkt für Punkt abgetastet. Die Fluoreszenzsignale werden dann mithilfe eines auf künstlicher Intelligenz basierten Algorithmus analysiert und das Ergebnis Score-basiert dargestellt. In Studien zeigte die Dermatofluoroskopie eine hohe diagnostische Genauigkeit mit guter Sensitivität und Spezifität. Das Medizinprodukt DermaFC® der Klasse IIa ist seit 2017 CE-zertifiziert und für den Einsatz als Diagnoseunterstützung bei melanozytären melanomverdächtigen Läsionen zugelassen. Nicht geeignet ist die Dermatofluoroskopie bei schwach pigmentierten Läsionen sowie schlecht zugänglichen Lokalisationen.
Effektive Reanimation durch richtige Kommunikation
Authors: Henn Anna
Published: March 2020

Bei einer innerklinischen Reanimation treffen normalerweise Teammitglieder aus unterschiedlichen Abteilungen aufeinander, die in dieser Zusammensetzung noch nie miteinander gearbeitet haben. Diese Tatsache und die Stresssituation, in der sich alle Beteiligten befinden, können die Kommunikation erheblich erschweren, was fatale Folgen für den Patienten haben kann. Eine bestimmte Kommunikationsstrategie und der Einsatz eines Teamleiters können zur Verbesserung der Reanimationsqualität beitragen.
Das moderne befund- und patientenadaptierte Management von peripheren Pseudoaneurysmen nach arteriellem Zugang
Authors: Spazier Max , Meyer Frank , Bauersachs Rupert , Herold Joerg
Published: March 2020

Pseudoaneurysmen (PSA) zählen zusammen mit den Hämatomen zu den häufigsten Komplikationen nach kathetergestützten Eingriffen.

Ziel und Methode Die narrative kompakte Kurzübersicht umreißt sowohl die Entstehung und Charakteristika von Pseudoaneurysmen sowie die Optionen der Diagnostik und Therapie als auch deren mögliche Komplikationen.

Ergebnisse Ätiopathogenese: Durch den nicht verschlossenen Stichkanal der Punktion kommt es zum kontinuierlichen Blutausstrom aus dem Gefäß, der im umliegenden Gewebe eine Pseudoaneurysmahöhle formt. Diese wird nicht wie beim wahren Aneurysma durch eine Gefäßwand begrenzt, sondern nur durch die umliegenden Gewebestrukturen eingedämmt. Dies ist aber meist nicht suffizient und es kommt zu einer raschen Ausbreitung und diffusen Einblutungen. Dadurch können umliegende Strukturen wie Nerven und Venen durch das expandierende Pseudoaneurysma komprimiert werden, woraus sich irreversible Schäden entwickeln können. Diagnostik: Die Duplexsonografie steht dominierend absolut im Vordergrund. Die CT-A, MR-A und DSA bleiben speziellen Fragestellungen oder klinischen Fallkonstellationen (z. B. Begleiterkrankungen etc.) vorbehalten – eine DSA ist stets mit Interventionsbereitschaft zu verbinden. Therapie: Mit der manuellen Kompression und der darauffolgenden Anlage eines Druckverbandes, einer ultraschallgestützten Kompression, der Thrombininjektion und der operativen Sanierung stehen mehrere Verfahren zur Auswahl. Die ultraschallgestützte Kompression sollte dabei immer sofort eingesetzt werden, da sie höchst effizient und ubiquitär verfügbar ist. Additiv zur Kompression kann die Thrombininjektion bei PSA ohne Nerven-/Gewebeirritation mit eingesetzt werden und bietet noch bessere Verschlussraten, ist jedoch anspruchsvoller in der Anwendung. Die operative Ausschaltung ist die effektivste Methode, bietet aber neben dem größten Aufwand die meisten Begleitkomplikationen wie Wundheilungsstörung bei mazeriertem Gewebe und den längsten Krankenhausaufenthalt. Alternative Verfahren zu den genannten haben sich bisher nicht durchsetzen können.

Schlussfolgerung Das diagnostische und therapeutische Management von Pseudoaneurysmen stellt eine Herausforderung im interdisziplinären befund- und patientenadaptierten Vorgehen dar, das den erfahren Gefäßmediziner erfordert.
A Randomized, Double-Masked, Multicenter, Phase III Study Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Brolucizumab versus Aflibercept in Patients with Visual Impairment due to Diabetic Macular Edema (KITE)
Authors: Garweg Justus G.
Published: March 2020

Background Brolucizumab is a single-chain variable antibody fragment (scVF) that specifically binds to VEGF-A. The results of two large phase III, multicentre, randomized clinical trials comparing intravitreal treatment with Brolucizumab and Aflibercept in neovascular age-related degeneration demonstrated its potency in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Methods The currently tested injected dose of 6 mg Brolucizumab results in a 11.2 – 13.3 times higher equivalent molar dose compared to Aflibercept 2 mg. Thus, it is conceivable that the effect of Brolucizumab in DME exceeds that of other currently used anti-VEGF agents with regards to effect durability; this was confirmed for nAMD in a phase I/II study.

Results Approved anti-VEGF drugs have shown unprecedented success compared to laser treatment with regards to restoration of visual acuity and improvement of diabetic retinopathy severity scores for up to 5 years. The visual gains were sustained after the loading phase and a reduced number of injections were required after the first year independent of the treatment strategy. Compared to pan-retinal laser photocoagulation, the time to progression of DRP was markedly extended and was proven by better preservation of the visual field, prevention of severe vision loss, hemorrhagic complications, and the need for intraocular surgery.

Conclusions The ongoing prospective, randomized, phase III clinical studies in DME, KITE, and KESTREL aim to confirm the non-inferiority of Brolucizumab 6 mg compared to Aflibercept 2 mg on a functional and morphological level as well as durability effect over 2 years.
Retrospective Comparative Study of the Influence on Quality of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty by the EndoCert-Certification System in a Communal Hospital
Authors: Bergschmidt Philipp , Maruniewicz Jan Pawel , Westphal Thomas , Klinder Annett , Mittelmeier Wolfram
Published: March 2020

The EndoCert®-Initiative system sets specific requirements for the structural, process and result quality in certified Arthroplasty Centers in Germany. However, it remains unclear to what extent the certification process can increase the quality in total hip and knee arthroplasty. Aim of the comparative retrospective study is to analyse the change in quality of total hip arthroplasty in a communal hospital before and after the certification process. All primary total hip arthroplasties (n = 366) between 2013 and 2016 were included in the study retrospectively and grouped by treatment period. Treatment was performed in group 1 without clinical pathways, in group 2 pathway-controlled without a valid certificate and in group 3 pathway-controlled after final completion of the certification process. Outcome quality was analysed using quality indicators defined by the EndoCert-Initiative and further predefined indicators. Results show quality improvement under
certified pathway-controlled treatment, e.g. time of surgery, cup and stem positioning, blood transfusion rate, periprosthetic fractures. However, improvements were not significantly in all cases and limitations must be recognized. Positive effects of the certification process legitimate capital investment and efforts. Further quality indicators may be implemented in the certification process to improve quality of treatment in arthroplasty.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency: An Update on Genetic Analysis of CYP21A2 Gene
Authors: Carvalho Berta , Marques C. Joana , Santos-Silva Rita , Fontoura Manuel , Carvalho Davide , Carvalho Filipa
Published: March 2020

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is a group of genetic autosomal recessive disorders that affects adrenal steroidogenesis in the adrenal cortex. One of the most common defects associated with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is the deficiency of 21-hydroxylase enzyme, responsible for the conversion of 17-hydroxyprogesterone to 11-deoxycortisol and progesterone to deoxycorticosterone. The impairment of cortisol and aldosterone production is directly related to the clinical form of the disease that ranges from classic or severe to non-classic or mild late onset. The deficiency of 21-hydroxylase enzyme results from pathogenic variants on CYP21A2 gene that, in the majority of the cases, compromise enzymatic activity and are strongly correlated with the clinical severity of the disease. Due to the exceptionally high homology and proximity between the gene and the pseudogene, more than 90% of pathogenic variants result from intergenic recombination. Around 75% are deleterious variants transferred from the pseudogene by gene conversion, during mitosis. About 20% are due to unequal crossing over during meiosis and lead to duplications or deletions on CYP21A2 gene. Molecular genetic analysis of CYP21A2 variants is of major importance for confirmation of clinical diagnosis, predicting prognosis and for an appropriate genetic counselling. In this review we will present an update on the genetic analysis of CYP21A2 gene variants in CAH patients performed in our department.