bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of different remineralizing agents on color stability and surface characteristics of the teeth following vital bleaching
Authors: Bilge Kübra , Kılıç Vahti
Published: April 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of various remineralizing agents on the color stability and surface characteristics of the teeth after vital bleaching. The extracted 96 human incisors were used for the study. Initially, the samples were randomly divided into two groups and exposed to in‐office and at‐home bleaching agents. Then, the groups were divided into six subgroups (n = 8), including the control group did not undergo remineralization after bleaching, according to five remineralizing agents (Gelato APF Gel, Remin Pro, Tooth Mousse, MI Paste Plus, Curodont Protect). Surface roughness was assessed at baseline, after bleaching and remineralization procedures. Color measurements of the samples were obtained at baseline, after bleaching and then after immersion in the staining solution following remineralization process. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyzes were carried out in order to examine the morphological changes on the surface of the enamel. The independent t‐test, paired‐samples t‐test, and one‐way ANOVA was used to compare the data and post‐hoc LSD test to compare the difference among the study groups (α = .05). Surface roughness increased following in‐office and at‐home bleaching in all groups, and reduced after application of remineralizing agents in all groups. Significant differences were found among the groups with respect to changes in surface roughness and color values following treatment with remineralizing agents (p <.05). AFM analyses revealed increased surface roughness after bleaching and a reduction of rough surfaces following treatment with remineralizing agents. Remineralizing agents can be used to reduce postbleaching increase in surface roughness and to maintain color stability after bleaching.
Targeted metabolomics revealed changes in phospholipids during the development of neuroinflammation in Abcd1tm1Kds mice and X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy patients
Authors: Kettwig Matthias , Klemp Henry , Nessler Stefan , Streit Frank , Krätzner Ralph , Rosewich Hendrik , Gärtner Jutta
Published: April 2021

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is the most common leukodystrophy. Despite intensive research in recent years, it remains unclear, what drives the different clinical disease courses. Due to this missing pathophysiological link, therapy for the childhood cerebral disease course of X‐ALD (CCALD) remains symptomatic; the allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or hematopoietic stem‐cell gene therapy is an option for early disease stages. The inclusion of dried blood spot (DBS) C26:0‐lysophosphatidylcholine to newborn screening in an increasing number of countries is leading to an increasing number of X‐ALD patients diagnosed at risk for CCALD. Current follow‐up in asymptomatic boys with X‐ALD requires repetitive cerebral MRIs under sedation. A reliable and easily accessible biomarker that predicts CCALD would therefore be of great value. Here we report the application of targeted metabolomics by AbsoluteIDQ p180‐Kit from Biocrates to search for suitable biomarkers in X‐ALD. LysoPC a C20:3 and lysoPC a C20:4 were identified as metabolites that indicate neuroinflammation after induction of experimental autoimmune encephalitis in the serum of Abcd1tm1Kds mice. Analysis of serum from X‐ALD patients also revealed different concentrations of these lipids at different disease stages. Further studies in a larger cohort of X‐ALD patient sera are needed to prove the diagnostic value of these lipids for use as early biomarkers for neuroinflammation in CCALD patients.
Network dynamic model of epidemic transmission introducing a heterogeneous control factor
Authors: Sheng Huaxiong , Wu Lin , Wu Tingting , Peng Bo
Published: April 2021

The COVID‐19 epidemic is not only a medical issue but also a sophisticated social problem. We propose a network dynamics model of epidemic transmission introducing a heterogeneous control factor. The proposed model applied the classical susceptible‐ exposed‐infectious‐recovered model to the network based on effective distance and was modified by introducing a heterogeneous control factor with temporal and spatial characteristics. International aviation data were approximately used to estimate the flux fraction matrix, and the effective distance was calculated. Through parameter estimation and simulation, the theoretical values of the modified model fit well with practical values. By adjusting the parameters and observing the change of the results, we found that the modified model is more in line with the actual needs and has higher credibility in the comprehensive analysis. The assessment shows that the number of confirmed cases worldwide will reach about 20 million optimistically. In severe cases, the peak value will exceed 80 million, and the late stage of the epidemic shows a long tail shape, lasting more than one and a half years. The effective way to control the global epidemic is to strengthen international cooperation and to impose international travel restrictions and other measures.
Characterization of the alumina oxide, copper and nickel powders and their processing intended for fabrication of the novel hybrid composite: A comparative study
Authors: Zygmuntowicz J. , Bulski B. , Szymańska J. , Piotrkiewicz P. , Kaszuwara W.
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was the fabrication and characterization of the novel hybrid composite from the Al2O3/Cu/Ni system. The research included the production of composite specimens by uniaxial pressing and their further sintering. The influence of the ceramic and metallic powders and their sintering temperature on the microstructure of composites was investigated. The firing process was conducted in reducing the atmosphere at three different temperatures, selected on the basis of the copper‐nickel phase diagram: 1100 °C, 1260 °C, 1400 °C. Reference samples of Al2O3/Cu were also produced in the same way for comparative purposes. The addition of the third component, which together with copper will form a Ni−Cu solid solution, was intended to improve the wettability of ceramic matrix through a liquid metallic phase, and thus to reduce the phenomenon of the liquid metal flow on samples surface during sintering. However, it had an impact on physical and mechanical properties.
Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of CoCrFeNiMnTix high‐entropy alloys
Authors: Shahmir H. , Derakhshandeh A. , Hallstedt B. , Nili‐Ahmadabadi M.
Published: April 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of titanium addition on the microstructure and properties of an equitaomic CoCrFeNiMn high‐entropy alloy. Homogenized microstructures of CoCrFeNiMnTix (x = 0.1 and 0.3) alloys consist of face‐centered cubic phase; however, addition of more titanium led to formation of a (chromium, titanium)‐rich σ phase in CoCrFeNiMnTi0.4 alloy. The average electron hole number calculations indicate the higher possibility of σ phase formation by adding more titanium. Furthermore, addition of an atom like titanium with a larger atomic radius in comparison with other elements can affect stability of face‐centered cubic structure. Chromium and manganese has a destabilizing influence on the single face‐centered cubic phase and manganese may reject chromium to facilitate the formation of a (chromium, titanium)‐rich phase in alloys containing more than 5.5 at.% titanium (x>0.3). The mechanical properties revealed an improvement in strength without losing the ductility drastically by adding titanium up to 5.5 at.% (x = 0.3). Nevertheless, the strength remarkably increased and ductility significantly decreased in CoCrFeNiMnTi0.4 alloy due to formation of brittle σ phase in the microstructure.
Mechanical behavior and wear characteristics of fine grained ZE41 magnesium alloy
Authors: Kiran Babu B. , Jawahar Babu A. , Ranga Janardhana G.
Published: April 2021

ZE41 magnesium alloy was successfully produced by friction stir processing and grain refinement was achieved from a starting size of 107 μm±6.7 μm to 3.5 μm±1.5 μm. MgZn intermetallic which was appeared as network like structure at the grain boundaries before friction stir processing was greatly affected due to the severe plastic deformation and broken as small particles as observed from the microstructural studies. Higher hardness (≈30 %) was measured for the fine grained ZE41 magnesium alloy compared with the base alloy due to the grain refinement. From the tensile tests, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength was significantly increased at the cost of decreased ductility reflected in lower strain for the fine grained ZE41 compared with the base alloy. Wear studies showed higher coefficient of friction and lower mass loss for the grain refined ZE41 magnesium alloy. From the results, it can be understood that the grain refinement achieved by friction stir processing has a profound influence on enhancing the mechanical and tribological properties of ZE41 magnesium alloy.
Single‐wall carbon nanotubes‐chitosan nanocomposites: Surface wettability, mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Rodrigues M.Á.V. , Horn M.M. , Martins V.C.A. , Plepis A.M.G.
Published: April 2021

Functionalized single‐wall carbon nanotubes (f‐SWCN) are dispersed in chitosan films by self‐assembly of both components in aqueous media. This carbon form is a promising nanofiller to achieve nanocomposites with refined thermal, mechanical and surface features. In this study, we investigated the influence of functionalized single‐wall carbon nanotubes concentration on the resulting properties of the nanocomposites structures. Functionalized single‐wall carbon nanotubes are dispersed on a molecular scale in the polymeric matrix due to electrostatic interactions between both components. The thermal and mechanical properties have been characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively, while their wettability is studied by water contact angle measurements. Mechanical resistance of the films is improved up to 18 % with the addition of functionalized single‐wall carbon nanotubes, but the thermal stability is expressively reduced. A decrease in the surface hydrophobicity of 25 % is obtained after the inclusion of the nanofiller.
Process parameter dependencies of continuous and pulsed laser modes on surface polishing of additive manufactured aluminium AlSi10Mg parts
Authors: Hofele M. , Schanz J. , Roth A. , Harrison D.K. , De Silva A.K.M. , Riegel H.
Published: April 2021

Laser powder bed fusion is a well‐established 3D printing technique for metal alloys, but exhibits a poor surface quality. Laser polishing provides the possibility of a fast contact‐free and fully‐automatable surface treatment. This paper deals with the experimental investigation of laser polishing of laser powder bed fusion parts made of aluminium AlSi10Mg. Laser polishing is done with a 4 kW solid state disc laser in combination with a multi‐axis system and a one dimensional scanner optic. The laser is operated at continuous and pulsed operation mode. The parameter study reveals a high dependency of the achievable roughness on the laser beam intensity, the track and pulse overlap, the energy density and the number of polishing passes and polishing directions. Pulsed laser polishing mode with up to four passes from different directions revealed the lowest surface roughness of 0.14 μm Ra. With respect to the initial average surface roughness of Ra = 8.03 μm a reduction of the surface roughness of greater than 98 % could be achieved. Polishing with continuous laser radiation at one polishing pass resulted in Ra = 0.23 μm at an area rate of 20 cm2/min. Laser polishing using four passes achieved a further improvement up to Ra = 0.14 μm.
UC Irvine pilots bachelor's program for incarcerated people
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: April 2021

It's a common misconception that when a person goes to prison, they will be unlikely to rejoin society. In fact, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 95% of all those in state prisons will be released at some point. And a study commissioned by the U.S. Department of Justice found that prisoners who participated in educational opportunities while in prison were 40% less likely to return to prison once released.
Time: The ever‐elusive resource of an academic administrator
Authors: Schwebel David C.
Published: April 2021

If you ask a university administrator what their most precious resource is, they may recite common answers like skilled personnel, quality facilities, or a stable budget. But on reflection, another answer may also emerge: time.
On the links between nature's values and language
Authors: Inglis Dylan , Pascual Unai
Published: April 2021

Recent research into the plural values about nature is focusing on relational values as a concept through which to better understand the breadth and importance of situated human–nature relations. However, potential relevance of language as a mediating factor in relational values has not been sufficiently examined.

To investigate the links between language and values, we explore the influence of the ancient non‐Indo‐European Basque language (‘Euskara’) upon people's relationships with mountain forests in the Western Pyrenees of the Basque Country.

Results based on triangulation of data from Q‐methodology, focus groups and a socio‐demographic survey indicate that while relational values are highly rated in all principal viewpoints about local forests, there is an emergent perspective that emphasises Euskara's key role in relations with the forest via cultural identity and place attachment.

We conclude that positive relational values linked to Euskara may be seen as key levers for local sustainability transitions.

The fact that positive rapports with language can have a meaningful role in human–nature relations points to the need for further research into the consequential links between biological and linguistic diversity.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
The Quantum Technology Puzzle Game
Authors: Sprenger Benjamin , Krok Patrizia
Published: April 2021

The quantum revolution has reached its second phase. While the first phase brought us new technologies like transistors, semiconductors, lasers, and satellite‐based navigation techniques, we are now able to exploit the laws of quantum mechanics for tasks like communication, computation, simulation, or sensing and metrology. In the second phase, we expect to see the first novel quantum devices replace classical devices due to their superior performance.
Clinical features and follow‐up of pediatric patients hospitalized for COVID‐19
Authors: Tang Feng , Luo Wanjun , Wang Xiaowen , Li Hui , Mei Hong , Shao Jianbo , Song Qifa
Published: April 2021

Objective

This report summarizes the clinical features and 1‐month follow‐up observations for pediatric patients who were hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in Wuhan Women and Children's Hospital.

Methods

The 1‐month follow‐up data included clinical manifestations and results from serum severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) IgG and IgM tests, reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for SARS‐CoV‐2, lung computed tomography (CT) scans, and laboratory tests.

Results

Between January 20 and March 15, 2020, 127 patients aged 0–15 years were hospitalized for COVID‐19 treatment, including 3 severe cases and 124 mild or moderate cases. The main therapies included inhalation of aerosolized interferon‐α (122/127) and additional antiviral drugs (28/127). Among the 81 patients who had pneumonia at admission, 35 with right lobe pneumonia had the longest hospital stay (mean 14.5 ± 7 days); 17 with left lobe pneumonia had the highest creatine kinase (154 ± 106 U/L) and creatine kinase myocardial band  (CK‐MB, 43 ± 48 U/L) levels; and 29 with bilateral pneumonia had the highest white blood cell counts (8.3 ± 4 × 109/L). Among the 46 patients who were successfully followed up 1 month after discharge, two notable findings were right lobe pneumonia in 22% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11%–37%) of patients and persistently elevated serum creatine kinase and CK‐MB levels. The median duration of elevated CK‐MB was 45 days. The mean concentrations of serum SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG and IgM in 41 patients were 8.0 ± 7.5 and 98 ± 40 ng/ml, respectively. At follow‐up, four patients retested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2.

Conclusions

The involvement of different lung lobes in patients with COVID‐19 was associated with variations in the persistence of pneumonia and elevation of CK‐MB levels and body temperature.
Inverse probability of censoring weighting for visual predictive checks of time‐to‐event models with time‐varying covariates
Authors: Bartels Christian , Dumortier Thomas
Published: April 2021

When constructing models to summarize clinical data to be used for simulations, it is good practice to evaluate the models for their capacity to reproduce the data. This can be done by means of Visual Predictive Checks (VPC), which consist of several reproductions of the original study by simulation from the model under evaluation, calculating estimates of interest for each simulated study and comparing the distribution of those estimates with the estimate from the original study. This procedure is a generic method that is straightforward to apply, in general. Here we consider the application of the method to time‐to‐event data and consider the special case when a time‐varying covariate is not known or cannot be approximated after event time. In this case, simulations cannot be conducted beyond the end of the follow‐up time (event or censoring time) in the original study. Thus, the simulations must be censored at the end of the follow‐up time. Since this censoring is not random, the standard KM estimates from the simulated studies and the resulting VPC will be biased. We propose to use inverse probability of censoring weighting (IPoC) method to correct the KM estimator for the simulated studies and obtain unbiased VPCs. For analyzing the Cantos study, the IPoC weighting as described here proved valuable and enabled the generation of VPCs to qualify PKPD models for simulations. Here, we use a generated data set, which allows illustration of the different situations and evaluation against the known truth.
A semiparametric modeling approach for analyzing clinical biomarkers restricted to limits of detection
Authors: Dutta Sandipan , Halabi Susan
Published: April 2021

Before biomarkers can be used in clinical trials or patients' management, the laboratory assays that measure their levels have to go through development and analytical validation. One of the most critical performance metrics for validation of any assay is related to the minimum amount of values that can be detected and any value below this limit is referred to as below the limit of detection (LOD). Most of the existing approaches that model such biomarkers, restricted by LOD, are parametric in nature. These parametric models, however, heavily depend on the distributional assumptions, and can result in loss of precision under the model or the distributional misspecifications. Using an example from a prostate cancer clinical trial, we show how a critical relationship between serum androgen biomarker and a prognostic factor of overall survival is completely missed by the widely used parametric Tobit model. Motivated by this example, we implement a semiparametric approach, through a pseudo‐value technique, that effectively captures the important relationship between the LOD restricted serum androgen and the prognostic factor. Our simulations show that the pseudo‐value based semiparametric model outperforms a commonly used parametric model for modeling below LOD biomarkers by having lower mean square errors of estimation.
Hybrid event‐triggered control of linear multiagent systems via a fully distributed approach
Authors: Luo Shengping , Ye Dan
Published: April 2021

This article studies the problem of event‐triggered consensus for linear multiagent systems. Leaderless and leader‐following cases are considered here. By adopting adaptive technology and utilizing the relationship between parameters, novel fully distributed control schemes are proposed. Both the control updates and the communication consumption between agents can be declined under the designed hybrid event‐triggered controller. Meanwhile, different from some existing event‐based control schemes, the projection operator is avoided so that the developed controllers use only local signal, which relies on neither the minimum nonzero eigenvalue of the Laplacian matrix nor the total number of agents. The designed control schemes can ensure that leaderless and leader‐following consensus to be achieved asymptotically, and Zeno behavior is excluded by presenting a hybrid event‐triggered mechanism. Simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented control protocols.
Global software engineering in the age of GitHub and zoom
Authors: Herbsleb James
Published: April 2021

Much has changed since the inaugural ICGSE conference in 2006. Tools have improved, awareness of cultural differences is widespread, and developments such as the foregrounding of open source have all enhanced our ability to work across geographic divides. But the pervasive and profound impact of software in the world—especially for societal scale systems such as social media—forces new and deeply challenging responsibilities on both developers and academics. We must find better ways of incorporating ethics into our development practices and pay far more attention to harmful unintended consequences as deployed systems interact with and often disrupt crucial social systems.
Electrochemical Sensing Platforms of Dihydroxybenzene: Part 2 – Nanomaterials Excluding Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene
Authors: Abu Nayem S. M. , Shaheen Shah Syed , Sultana Nasrin , Abdul Aziz Md. , Saleh Ahammad A. J.
Published: April 2021

The high surface‐to‐volume ratio and desirable chemical, thermal, and catalytic properties of nanomaterials have made them promising electrode materials for sensing applications. As such, different nanomaterials and their nanocomposite‐based individual and/or simultaneous detection of dihydroxybenzene (DHB) have been reported in recent years. Due to the low degradation rate and high toxicity of DHB isomers, the development of innovative and robust sensors for their simultaneous detection has received considerable attention. In this review, applications of different nanomaterials (with the exception of carbon nanotubes, graphene, and their derivatives) for individual and/or simultaneous detection of DHB are briefly discussed. The focal point is on the characteristic features of the modified electrodes that improve their electrocatalytic activities toward DHB. Real sample analysis and electrolyte media are also summarized. This review includes studies published from 2011 to 2020.
Methane production from anaerobic digestion of dairy grease trap waste: Effect of sugarcane bagasse addition
Authors: Egerland Bueno Beatriz , Rosero Henao Jenny Carolina , Rabelo Sarita Cândida , Gomes Tamara Maria , Ribeiro Rogers , Tommaso Giovana
Published: April 2021

Lipids are attractive substrates for anaerobic digestion due to their high methane production yield. However, high concentrations of lipids may cause problems in anaerobic processes. Typically, grease trap waste is mechanically removed and discharged, both generating environmental issues and wasting a potential energy source. In this study, grease trap waste from a dairy wastewater treatment plant was subjected to anaerobic digestion. Untreated and pretreated sugarcane bagasse was evaluated as fat adsorbents to reduce the inhibitory effect of the fatty waste. The bagasse pretreated by the organosolv method was the condition that most contributed to increased methane production (82%) from anaerobic digestion of dairy fatty waste at 0.5 g COD.g–1TVS concentration. Untreated bagasse provided the second‐best condition, followed by hydrothermally treated bagasse, presenting no statistical difference. The obtained results showed the potential of using sugarcane bagasse as a strategy to reduce the inhibitory effect of the fatty waste from the dairy grease trap, making this waste another possible source for generating biogas.
Microbial metabolic noise
Authors: Vasdekis Andreas E. , Singh Abhyudai
Published: April 2021

From the time a cell was first placed under the microscope, it became apparent that identifying two clonal cells that “look” identical is extremely challenging. Since then, cell‐to‐cell differences in shape, size, and protein content have been carefully examined, informing us of the ultimate limits that hinder two cells from occupying an identical phenotypic state. Here, we present recent experimental and computational evidence that similar limits emerge also in cellular metabolism. These limits pertain to stochastic metabolic dynamics and, thus, cell‐to‐cell metabolic variability, including the resulting adapting benefits. We review these phenomena with a focus on microbial metabolism and conclude with a brief outlook on the potential relationship between metabolic noise and adaptive evolution.

This article is categorized under:

Metabolic Diseases > Computational Models

Metabolic Diseases > Biomedical Engineering
Sensitivity of Algorithms for Estimating the Gravity Disturbance Vector to Its Model Uncertainty
Authors: Stepanov O. A. , Koshaev D. A. , Yashnikova O. M. , Motorin A. V , Staroseltsev L. P.
Published: April 2021

The work considers the results of filtering and smoothing of the gravity disturbance vector horizontal components and focuses on the sensitivity of these results to the model parameters in the case when the inertial-geodesic method is applied in the framework of a marine survey on a sea vessel.
Perturbative corrections to power suppressed effects in $$ \overline{B} $$ → Xuℓν
Authors: Capdevila Bernat , Gambino Paolo , Nandi Soumitra
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We compute the O(αs) corrections to the Wilson coefficients of the dimension five operators in inclusive semileptonic B decays in the limit of a massless final quark. Our calculation agrees with reparametrization invariance and with previous results for the total width and improves the constraints on the shape functions that enter those decays.
Moonlighting of mitotic regulators in cilium disassembly
Authors: Doornbos Cenna , Roepman Ronald
Published: April 2021

Correct timing of cellular processes is essential during embryological development and to maintain the balance between healthy proliferation and tumour formation. Assembly and disassembly of the primary cilium, the cell’s sensory signalling organelle, are linked to cell cycle timing in the same manner as spindle pole assembly and chromosome segregation. Mitotic processes, ciliary assembly, and ciliary disassembly depend on the centrioles as microtubule-organizing centres (MTOC) to regulate polymerizing and depolymerizing microtubules. Subsequently, other functional protein modules are gathered to potentiate specific protein–protein interactions. In this review, we show that a significant subset of key mitotic regulator proteins is moonlighting at the cilium, among which PLK1, AURKA, CDC20, and their regulators. Although ciliary assembly defects are linked to a variety of ciliopathies, ciliary disassembly defects are more often linked to brain development and tumour formation. Acquiring a better understanding of the overlap in regulators of ciliary disassembly and mitosis is essential in finding therapeutic targets for the different diseases and types of tumours associated with these regulators.
Leveraged least trimmed absolute deviations
Authors: Sudermann-Merx Nathan , Rebennack Steffen
Published: April 2021

The design of regression models that are not affected by outliers is an important task which has been subject of numerous papers within the statistics community for the last decades. Prominent examples of robust regression models are least trimmed squares (LTS), where theklargest squared deviations are ignored, and least trimmed absolute deviations (LTA) which ignores theklargest absolute deviations. The numerical complexity of both models is driven by the number of binary variables and by the valuekof ignored deviations. We introduce leveraged least trimmed absolute deviations (LLTA) which exploits that LTA is already immune againsty-outliers. Therefore, LLTA has only to be guarded against outlying values inx, so-called leverage points, which can be computed beforehand, in contrast toy-outliers. Thus, while the mixed-integer formulations of LTS and LTA have as many binary variables as data points, LLTA only needs one binary variable per leverage point, resulting in a significant reduction of binary variables. Based on 11 data sets from the literature, we demonstrate that (1) LLTA’s prediction quality improves much faster than LTS and as fast as LTA for increasing values ofkand (2) that LLTA solves the benchmark problems about 80 times faster than LTS and about five times faster than LTA, in median.
The influence of digital PET/CT on diagnostic certainty and interrater reliability in [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT for recurrent prostate cancer
Authors: Alberts Ian , Hünermund Jan-Niklas , Sachpekidis Christos , Mingels Clemens , Fech Viktor , Bohn Karl Peter , Rominger Axel , Afshar-Oromieh Ali
Published: April 2021

Objective

To investigate the impact of digital PET/CT on diagnostic certainty, patient-based sensitivity and interrater reliability.

Methods

Four physicians retrospectively evaluated two matched cohorts of patients undergoing [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT on a digital (dPET/CT n = 65) or an analogue scanner (aPET/CT n = 65) for recurrent prostate cancer between 11/2018 and 03/2019. The number of equivocal and pathological lesions as well as the frequency of discrepant findings and the interrater reliability for the two scanners were compared.

Results

dPET/CT detected more lesions than aPET/CT (p < 0.001). A higher number of pathological scans were observed for dPET/CT (83% vs. 57%, p < 0.001). The true-positive rate at follow-up was 100% for dPET/CT compared to 84% for aPET/CT (p < 0.001). The proportion of lesions rated as non-pathological as a total of all PSMA-avid lesions detected for dPET/CT was comparable to aPET/CT (61.8% vs. 57.0%, p = 0.99). Neither a higher rate of diagnostically uncertain lesions (11.5% dPET/CT vs. 13.7% aPET/CT, p = 0.95) nor discrepant scans (where one or more readers differed in opinion as to whether the scan is pathological) were observed (18% dPET/CT vs. 17% aPET/CT, p = 0.76). Interrater reliability for pathological lesions was excellent for both scanner types (Cronbach’s α = 0.923 dPET/CT; α = 0.948 aPET/CT) and interrater agreement was substantial for dPET/CT (Krippendorf’s α = 0.701) and almost perfect in aPET/CT (α = 0.802).

Conclusions

A higher detection rate for pathological lesions for dPET/CT compared with aPET/CT in multiple readers was observed. This improved sensitivity was coupled with an improved true-positive rate and was not associated with increased diagnostic uncertainty, rate of non-specific lesions, or reduced interrater reliability.

Key Points

• New generation digital scanners detect more cancer lesions in men with prostate cancer.

• When using digital scanners, the doctors are able to diagnose prostate cancer lesions with better certainty

• When using digital scanners, the doctors do not disagree with each other more than with other scanner types.
Audio-guided self-hypnosis for reduction of claustrophobia during MR imaging: results of an observational 2-group study
Authors: Napp Adriane E. , Diekhoff Torsten , Stoiber Olf , Enders Judith , Diederichs Gerd , Martus Peter , Dewey Marc
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of audio-guided self-hypnosis on claustrophobia in a high-risk cohort undergoing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Methods

In this prospective observational 2-group study, 55 patients (69% female, mean age 53.6 ± 13.9) used self-hypnosis directly before imaging. Claustrophobia included premature termination, sedation, and coping actions. The claustrophobia questionnaire (CLQ) was completed before self-hypnosis and after MR imaging. Results were compared to a control cohort of 89 patients examined on the same open MR scanner using logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Furthermore, patients were asked about their preferences for future imaging.

Results

There was significantly fewer claustrophobia in the self-hypnosis group (16%; 9/55), compared with the control group (43%; 38/89; odds ratio .14; p = .001). Self-hypnosis patients also needed less sedation (2% vs 16%; 1/55 vs 14/89; odds ratio .1; p = .008) and non-sedation coping actions (13% vs 28%; 7/55 vs 25/89; odds ratio .3; p = .02). Self-hypnosis did not influence the CLQ results measured before and after MR imaging (p = .79). Self-hypnosis reduced the frequency of claustrophobia in the subgroup of patients above an established CLQ cut-off of .33 from 47% (37/78) to 18% (9/49; p = .002). In the subgroup below the CLQ cut-off of 0.33, there were no significant differences (0% vs 9%, 0/6 vs 1/11; p = 1.0). Most patients (67%; 35/52) preferred self-hypnosis for future MR examinations.

Conclusions

Self-hypnosis reduced claustrophobia in high-risk patients undergoing imaging in an open MR scanner and might reduce the need for sedation and non-sedation coping actions.

Key Points

• Forty percent of the patients at high risk for claustrophobia may also experience a claustrophobic event in an open MR scanner.

• Self-hypnosis while listening to an audio in the waiting room before the examination may reduce claustrophobic events in over 50% of patients with high risk for claustrophobia.

• Self-hypnosis may also reduce the need for sedation and other time-consuming non-sedation coping actions and is preferred by high-risk patients for future examinations.
PIV investigation of high Reynolds number submerged water jets at high-pressure ambient conditions
Authors: Jasper Sarah , Hussong Jeanette , Lindken Ralph
Published: April 2021

High-pressure water jets bear a great technological potential to enhance geothermal deep drilling. Compared to existing water cutting technologies, significantly different operation conditions are encountered under deep-drilling conditions, such as high ambient pressures. The fundamental fluid mechanics are significantly affected by those operation conditions. In this work we examine the influence of increasing ambient pressure of up to 12.0 MPa on the water jet characteristics under submerged drilling conditions. PIV measurements of the jet flow field at changing cavitation numbers reveal two characteristic regimes, which are distinguished by a critical cavitation number. In the cavitating regime, the jet decays considerably faster with increasing distance to the nozzle than in the non-cavitating regime. In addition to that, an increasing cavitation intensity shortens the potential core length of the water jet and increases the jet spreading angle and with this has a similar effect on the jet as increasing turbulence intensity in single-phase flows. Related to the decreasing kinetic energy of the jet in the cavitating regime, the resulting impact force of the water jet on the specimen surface decreases with increasing cavitation intensity. Our investigations indicate that a technology transfer from water jet cutting to submerged jet drilling requires adjustments of both nozzle geometries and jet operation conditions.

Graphic abstract
Einsamkeit im Pflegeheim – Erleben und Maßnahmen zur Verringerung
Authors: Plattner Lukas , Brandstötter Cornelia , Paal Piret
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund

Public Health und Gesundheitsökonomie betrachten Einsamkeit als einen wichtigen Einflussfaktor auf die Gesundheit und Lebensqualität aller Menschen. Für ältere Menschen kann Einsamkeit als evtl. wichtigste Determinante der Gesundheit betrachtet werden.

Ziel der Arbeit und Fragestellungen

Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit sollen das Erleben von Einsamkeit aus der Perspektive von Bewohner*innen der stationären Langzeitpflege beschrieben und Interventionen zur Verringerung von Einsamkeit durch Pflegepersonen aufgezeigt werden.

Material und Methode

Systematische Literaturrecherche.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Über die eigene Einsamkeit zu sprechen, ist für viele Bewohner*innen nicht leicht. Die Ausprägungen der Einsamkeit variieren vom Alleinsein über Langeweile bis zu dem Gefühl, sich nicht zu Hause zu fühlen. Die Maßnahmen zur Reduktion von Einsamkeit reichen über die Anwendung von Lachyoga, tiergestützter Therapie bis zu technologischen Maßnahmen oder dem Einsatz von Freiwilligen.

Als zentral und am wirkungsvollsten haben sich jene Interventionen erwiesen, welche die spirituelle Ebene des Beziehungsaufbaus und Vertrauen fokussieren.
Appropriateness for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeons in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or childbearing potential: Yo-IFOS and CEORL-HNS joint clinical consensus statement
Authors: Saibene Alberto Maria , Allevi Fabiana , Ayad Tareck , Baudoin Tomislav , Bernal-Sprekelsen Manuel , Briganti Giovanni , Carrie Sean , Cayé-Thomasen Per , Dahman Saidi Sara , Dauby Nicolas , Fenton John , Golusiński Wojciech , Klimek Ludger , Leclerc Andrée-Anne , Longtin Yves , Mannelli Giuditta , Mayo-Yáñez Miguel , Meço Cem , Metwaly Osama , Mouawad François , Niemczyk Kazimierz , Pedersen Ulrik , Piersiala Krzysztof , Plzak Jan , Remacle Marc , Rommel Nathalie , Saleh Hesham , Szpecht Dawid , Tedla Miroslav , Tincati Camilla , Tucciarone Manuel , Zelenik Karol , Lechien Jerome R.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are a key step in fighting the pandemic. Nevertheless, their rapid development did not allow for testing among specific population subgroups such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, or elaborating specific guidelines for healthcare personnel working in high infection risk specialties, such as otolaryngology (ORL). This clinical consensus statement (CCS) aims to offer guidance for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination to this high-risk population based on the best evidence available.

Methods

A multidisciplinary international panel of 33 specialists judged statements through a two-round modified Delphi method survey. Statements were designed to encompass the following topics: risk of SARS-Cov-2 infection and use of protective equipment in ORL; SARS-Cov-2 infection and vaccines and respective risks for the mother/child dyad; and counseling for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in pregnant, breastfeeding, or fertile healthcare workers (PBFHW). All ORL PBFHW were considered as the target audience.

Results

Of the 13 statements, 7 reached consensus or strong consensus, 2 reached no consensus, and 2 reached near-consensus. According to the statements with strong consensus otorhinolaryngologists—head and neck surgeons who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or with childbearing potential should have the opportunity to receive SARS-Cov-2 vaccination. Moreover, personal protective equipment (PPE) should still be used even after the vaccination.

Conclusion

Until prospective evaluations on these topics are available, ORL-HNS must be considered a high infection risk specialty. While the use of PPE remains pivotal, ORL PBFHW should be allowed access to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination provided they receive up-to-date information.
A family of pathogen-induced cysteine-rich transmembrane proteins is involved in plant disease resistance
Authors: Pereira Mendes Marciel , Hickman Richard , Van Verk Marcel C. , Nieuwendijk Nicole M. , Reinstädler Anja , Panstruga Ralph , Pieterse Corné M. J. , Van Wees Saskia C. M.
Published: April 2021

Main conclusion

Overexpression of pathogen-induced cysteine-rich transmembrane proteins (PCMs) in Arabidopsis thaliana enhances resistance against biotrophic pathogens and stimulates hypocotyl growth, suggesting a potential role for PCMs in connecting both biological processes.

Plants possess a sophisticated immune system to protect themselves against pathogen attack. The defense hormone salicylic acid (SA) is an important player in the plant immune gene regulatory network. Using RNA-seq time series data of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves treated with SA, we identified a largely uncharacterized SA-responsive gene family of eight members that are all activated in response to various pathogens or their immune elicitors and encode small proteins with cysteine-rich transmembrane domains. Based on their nucleotide similarity and chromosomal position, the designated Pathogen-induced Cysteine-rich transMembrane protein (PCM) genes were subdivided into three subgroups consisting of PCM1-3 (subgroup I), PCM4-6 (subgroup II), and PCM7-8 (subgroup III). Of the PCM genes, only PCM4 (also known as PCC1) has previously been implicated in plant immunity. Transient expression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana indicated that most PCM proteins localize to the plasma membrane. Ectopic overexpression of the PCMs in Arabidopsis thaliana resulted in all eight cases in enhanced resistance against the biotrophic oomycete pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis Noco2. Additionally, overexpression of PCM subgroup I genes conferred enhanced resistance to the hemi-biotrophic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. The PCM-overexpression lines were found to be also affected in the expression of genes related to light signaling and development, and accordingly, PCM-overexpressing seedlings displayed elongated hypocotyl growth. These results point to a function of PCMs in both disease resistance and photomorphogenesis, connecting both biological processes, possibly via effects on membrane structure or activity of interacting proteins at the plasma membrane.
On Recovery Guarantees for One-Bit Compressed Sensing on Manifolds
Authors: Iwen Mark A. , Krahmer Felix , Krause-Solberg Sara , Maly Johannes
Published: April 2021

This paper studies the problem of recovering a signal from one-bit compressed sensing measurements under a manifold model; that is, assuming that the signal lies on or near a manifold of low intrinsic dimension. We provide a convex recovery method based on the Geometric Multi-Resolution Analysis and prove recovery guarantees with a near-optimal scaling in the intrinsic manifold dimension. Our method is the first tractable algorithm with such guarantees for this setting. The results are complemented by numerical experiments confirming the validity of our approach.
3D mixed virtual element formulation for dynamic elasto-plastic analysis
Authors: Cihan Mertcan , Hudobivnik Blaž , Aldakheel Fadi , Wriggers Peter
Published: April 2021

The virtual element method (VEM) for dynamic analyses of nonlinear elasto-plastic problems undergoing large deformations is outlined within this work. VEM has been applied to various problems in engineering, considering elasto-plasticity, multiphysics, damage, elastodynamics, contact- and fracture mechanics. This work focuses on the extension of VEM formulations towardsdynamic elasto-plasticapplications. Hereby low-order ansatz functions are employed in three dimensions with elements having arbitrary convex or concave polygonal shapes. The formulations presented in this study are based on minimization of potential function for both the static as well as the dynamic behavior. Additionally, to overcome the volumetric locking phenomena due to elastic and plastic incompressibility conditions, a mixed formulation based on a Hu-Washizu functional is adopted. For the implicit time integration scheme, Newmark method is used. To show the model performance, various numerical examples in 3D are presented.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of head and neck cancer survivors
Authors: Gallo Oreste , Bruno Chiara , Locatello Luca Giovanni , Martelli Federica , Cilona Maria , Orlando Pietro , Fancello Giuseppe , Maggiore Giandomenico , Viberti Francesca , Ciabatti Pierguido , Boccuzzi Simone , Mandalà Marco
Published: April 2021

Background

Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors are particularly vulnerable to the deleterious consequences of lockdown and social distancing. The psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on this group are still unknown, and we want to explore how their quality of life (QoL) has changed in this unique situation.

Materials and methods

An online survey, composed of pandemic-specific items, plus the EORTC QLQ-C30, was administered to a cohort of HNC survivors. Using previously published reference values as a control group, we have evaluated the impact of the pandemic on their QoL. We have also explored the differences between those who had received a total laryngectomy (LP, laryngectomized population) vs other HNC patients, in order to assess the role of tracheostomy in this regard.

Results

One hundred and twenty-one HNC patients completed the survey. The scores of the physical (80.5 vs 85, p = 0.028), role (78 vs 84, p = 0.030), and emotional functioning (76 vs 81, p = 0.041) were significantly different in the two groups, with worse functioning in our patients. Comparing LP with the other HNC patients, social (76.6 vs 88.9, p = 0.008) and physical functioning (75.5 vs 86.1, p = 0.006) were significantly worse in the former group. LP also reported a greater perception that others are afraid to be close to them (1.67 vs 1.32, p = 0.020). No differences were found between LP with and without voice prosthesis.

Conclusions

Our results show how HNC patients are at high risk for a worsening in QoL because of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.
Could different direct restoration techniques affect interfacial gap and fracture resistance of endodontically treated anterior teeth?
Authors: Comba Allegra , Baldi Andrea , Saratti Carlo Massimo , Rocca Giovanni Tommaso , Torres Carlos Rocha Gomes , Pereira Gabriel Kalil Rocha , Valandro Felipe Luiz , Scotti Nicola
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To evaluate different direct restoration techniques on various cavity designs in anterior endodontically treated teeth (ETT).

Materials and methods

Ninety upper central incisors (n = 90) were selected, endodontically treated, and divided into three groups (n = 30) accordingly to the cavity design: minimal endodontic cavity access (group A), endodontic access + mesial class III cavity (group B), and endodontic access + two class III cavities (group C). Three subgroups (n = 10) were then created accordingly to the restoration technique: nano hybrid composite restoration (subgroup a), glass fiber post + dual-cure luting cement (subgroup b), and bundled glass fiber + dual-cure luting cement (subgroup c). Samples underwent micro-CT scan, chewing simulation, and a second micro-CT scan. 3D quantification (mm3) of interfacial gap progression was performed; then, samples underwent fracture resistance test. Data were statistically analyzed setting significance at p < 0.05.

Results

Groups A and B showed significantly lower interfacial gap progression compared with group C. Subgroup b performed significantly better compared with subgroups a and c. Improved fracture strength was reported for group C compared with group A, while both subgroups b and c performed better than subgroup a.

Conclusions

Cavity design significantly influenced interfacial gap progression and fracture resistance. Fiber posts significantly lowered gap progression and improved fracture resistance while bundled fibers only increased fracture resistance. A significant reduction of non-repairable fractures was recorded when fibers were applied.

Clinical relevance

A minimally invasive approach, conserving marginal crests, should be applied whenever possible. Inserting a fiber post is indicated when restoring anterior ETT, in order to reduce gap progression, improve fracture resistance, and avoid catastrophic failures.