bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strain Signals Before and During Paroxysmal Activity at Stromboli Volcano, Italy
Authors: Di Lieto Bellina , Romano Pierdomenico , Scarpa Roberto , Linde Alan Trevor
Published: September 2020

In the last decades, Mt. Stromboli produced four vulcanian eruptions, in 2003 and 2007 and July and August 2019, recorded by INGV monitoring network. Specifically, last three events are studied through records from borehole strainmeters, which allow to infer details on source dynamics. These events are preceded by a slow strain buildup, starting several minutes before the paroxysms, which can be used in future for early warning. Eruptions consist of two or more strain pulses, with oscillations ranging from several seconds, as in 2007, to some minutes, as in 2019, and lasting from several minutes to 1 hr after the explosions.
A New Evaluation of the Role of Urbanization to Warming at Various Spatial Scales: Evidence From the Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Region, China
Authors: Chao Liya , Huang Boyin , Yuanjian Yang , Jones Phil , Cheng Jiayi , Yang Yang , Li Qingxiang
Published: September 2020

The urbanization impacts on surface air temperature (SAT) change in the Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau region (GHMR) from 1979 to 2018 are examined using homogeneous surface observations, reanalysis, and remote sensing. Results show that the warming due to urbanization tends to be smaller or insignificant as the spatial scale increases. The urbanization contribution to the local warming can reach as high as 50% in the center of each metropolis, remains high (~25%) in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), and decreases to about 10% in the whole GHMR. The warming in GHMR is nearly uniform throughout the day, and therefore, the observed trend of the diurnal temperature range (DTR) is not statistically significant. However, the urbanization contribution exhibits distinct seasonal variations, large in summer and autumn while smaller in winter and spring.
The impact of a supranetwork multidisciplinary team (SMDT) on decision-making in testicular cancers: a 10-year overview of the Anglian Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (AGCCCG)
Authors: Shamash Jonathan , Ansell Wendy , Alifrangis Constantine , Thomas Benjamin , Wilson Peter , Stoneham Sara , Mazhar Danish , Warren Anne , Barrett Tristan , Alexander Susanna , Rudman Sarah , Lockley Michelle , Berney Daniel , Sahdev Anju
Published: September 2020

Background

The germ cell supranetwork multidisciplinary team (SMDT) for the Anglian Network covers a population of 7.5 million.

Methods

We reviewed 10 years of SMDT discussion and categorised them into five domains ((1) overall outcome, (2) chemotherapy regimens—untreated disease and salvage therapy, (3) radiology, (4) pathology and (5) complex cases) to assess the impact of the SMDT.

Results

A total of 2892 new cases were reviewed. In the first 5 years, patients with good prognosis disease had poorer survival in low-volume vs high-volume centres (87.8 vs 95.3, p = 0.02), but the difference was no longer significant in the last 5 years (93.3 vs 95.1, p = 0.30). Radiology review of 3206 scans led to rejection of the diagnosis of progression in 26 cases and a further 10 cases were down-staged. There were 790 pathology reviews by two specialised uropathologists, which lead to changes in 75 cases. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) PET-CT was undertaken during this time period but did not help to predict who would have viable cancer. A total of 26 patients with significant mental health issues who were unable to give informed consent were discussed.

Conclusion

SMDT working has led to an improvement in outcomes and refining of treatment in patients with germ cell tumours.
Quality improvement for cancer multidisciplinary teams: lessons learned from the Anglian Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group
Authors: Soukup Tayana , Sevdalis Nick , Green James S. A. , Lamb Benjamin W.
Published: September 2020

Shamash and colleagues describe how their supra-regional germ cell tumour multidisciplinary team achieved standardisation of treatment and improved survival. We discuss some of the insights the study provides into prioritising complex patients, streamlining processes, the use of telemedicine, and the centrality of good data collection to continuous quality improvement.
Atomic structure of human TOM core complex
Authors: Wang Wenhe , Chen Xudong , Zhang Laixing , Yi Jingbo , Ma Qingxi , Yin Jian , Zhuo Wei , Gu Jinke , Yang Maojun
Published: September 2020

The translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (TOM) complex is the main entry gate for mitochondrial precursor proteins synthesized on cytosolic ribosomes. Here we report the single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the dimeric human TOM core complex (TOM-CC). Two Tom40 β-barrel proteins, connected by two Tom22 receptor subunits and one phospholipid, form the protein-conducting channels. The small Tom proteins Tom5, Tom6, and Tom7 surround the channel and have notable configurations. The distinct electrostatic features of the complex, including the pronounced negative interior and the positive regions at the periphery and center of the dimer on the intermembrane space (IMS) side, provide insight into the preprotein translocation mechanism. Further, two dimeric TOM complexes may associate to form tetramer in the shape of a parallelogram, offering a potential explanation into the unusual structural features of Tom subunits and a new perspective of viewing the import of mitochondrial proteins.
Early-onset renal cell carcinoma in PTEN harmatoma tumour syndrome
Authors: Kim Raymond H. , Wang Xiangling , Evans Andrew J. , Campbell Steven C. , Nguyen Jane K. , Farncombe Kirsten M. , Eng Charis
Published: September 2020

Individuals with PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome (PHTS), including Cowden syndrome (CS), are susceptible to multiple benign hamartomas and an increased risk of cancer, particularly breast, endometrial, and thyroid. As a result, individuals undergo enhanced surveillance for early detection of these cancers. However, less commonly occurring cancers, such as colorectal and kidney, have insufficient guidelines for early detection. Currently, screening for kidney cancer via renal ultrasound begins at 40 years of age, because there were only rare cases of elevated risk in prospective series under 40. There have, however, been accumulating reports of kidney cancer in individuals with CS in their 30s, illustrating a need to lower the age of surveillance. We present additional evidence of renal cell carcinoma in two individuals with CS in their early twenties, and propose a reassessment of the abdominal surveillance in patients with PHTS. We propose biannual screening for kidney cancer beginning at 20 years of age.
Origin and structure of liquid crystalline Blue Phase III
Authors: Paul Tanay , Saha Jayashree
Published: September 2020

We report here an off-lattice NVT molecular dynamics simulation study of a system of polar chiral ellipsoidal molecules, which spontaneously exhibits Blue Phase III (BPIII), considering coarse-grained attractive-repulsive pair interaction appropriate for anisotropic liquid crystal mesogens. We have observed that suitable selection of chiral and dipolar strengths not only gives rise to thermodynamically stable BPIII but novel Smectic and Bilayered BPIII as well. Further, we have demonstrated that the occurrence of BPIII and its layered counterparts depend crucially on molecular elongation.
Author Correction: Robustness to extinction and plasticity derived from mutualistic bipartite ecological networks
Authors: Sheykhali Somaye , Fernández-Gracia Juan , Traveset Anna , Ziegler Maren , Voolstra Christian R. , Duarte Carlos M. , Eguíluz Víctor M.
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
bFGF blockade reduces intraplaque angiogenesis and macrophage infiltration in atherosclerotic vein graft lesions in ApoE3*Leiden mice
Authors: Parma Laura , Peters Hendrika A. B. , Sluiter Thijs J. , Simons Karin H. , Lazzari Paolo , de Vries Margreet R. , Quax Paul H. A.
Published: September 2020

Intraplaque angiogenesis increases the chance of unstable atherosclerotic plaque rupture and thrombus formation leading to myocardial infarction. Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) plays a key role in angiogenesis and inflammation and is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Therefore, we aim to test K5, a small molecule bFGF-inhibitor, on remodelling of accelerated atherosclerotic vein grafts lesions in ApoE3*Leiden mice. K5-mediated bFGF-signalling blockade strongly decreased intraplaque angiogenesis and intraplaque hemorrhage. Moreover, it reduced macrophage infiltration in the lesions by modulating CCL2 and VCAM1 expression. Therefore, K5 increases plaque stability. To study the isolated effect of K5 on angiogenesis and SMCs-mediated intimal hyperplasia formation, we used an in vivo Matrigel-plug mouse model that reveals the effects on in vivo angiogenesis and femoral artery cuff model to exclusively looks at SMCs. K5 drastically reduced in vivo angiogenesis in the matrigel plug model while no effect on SMCs migration nor proliferation could be seen in the femoral artery cuff model. Moreover, in vitro K5 impaired endothelial cells functions, decreasing migration, proliferation and tube formation. Our data show that K5-mediated bFGF signalling blockade in hypercholesterolemic ApoE3*Leiden mice reduces intraplaque angiogenesis, haemorrhage and inflammation. Therefore, K5 is a promising candidate to stabilize advanced atherosclerotic plaques.
The effects of common variants in MDM2 and GNRH2 genes on the risk and survival of osteosarcoma in Han populations from Northwest China
Authors: Feng Weilou , Wang Zhi , Feng Dongxu , Zhu Yangjun , Zhang Kun , Huang Wei
Published: September 2020

Accumulating evidence has shown that both MDM2 and GNRH2 might be related to Osteosarcoma (OS) susceptibility. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of common variants in MDM2 and GNRH2 genes on the risk and survival of osteosarcoma in Han populations from Northwest China. In the study, we recruited 2292 subjects including 596 OS patients and 1696 healthy controls and genotyped 16 selected tag SNPs (6 from GNRH2 and 10 from MDM2). Genetic association analyses were performed at the genotypic and allelic levels. Survival curves were made for OS patients with different genotypes. Two SNPs, rs1690916 (MDM2, P = 0.0002) and rs3761243 (GNRH2, P = 0.0004), were identified to be significantly associated with OS risk. Moreover, SNP rs3761243 was strongly associated with pathological fracture (P = 2.61 × 10–14), metastasis (P < 2.2 × 10–16), and Enneking stage (P < 2.2 × 10–16) in the OS group. Furthermore, survival curves based on different genotypes of SNP rs3761243 were found to be significantly different (P = 0.0003), suggesting increased risk with more copies of C alleles. Our results provide supportive evidence for genetic associations of MDM2 and GNRH2 genes with susceptibility to OS, and for the positive correlation of SNP rs3761243 in GNRH2 with the survival status of OS patients in Han populations from Northwest China.
Therapeutic angiogenesis using autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells in patients with critical limb ischaemia in Japan: a clinical pilot study
Authors: Katagiri Takeshi , Kondo Kazuhisa , Shibata Rei , Hayashida Ryo , Shintani Satoshi , Yamaguchi Shukuro , Shimizu Yuuki , Unno Kazumasa , Kikuchi Ryosuke , Kodama Akio , Takanari Keisuke , Kamei Yuzuru , Komori Kimihiro , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: September 2020

Adipose-derived regenerative cell (ADRC) is a promising alternative source of autologous somatic stem cells for the repair of damaged tissue. This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of autologous ADRC implantation for therapeutic angiogenesis in patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI). A clinical pilot study—Therapeutic Angiogenesis by Cell Transplantation using ADRCs (TACT-ADRC) study—was initiated in Japan. Adipose tissue was obtained by ordinary liposuction method. Isolated ADRCs were injected into the ischaemic limb. We performed TACT-ADRC procedure in five patients with CLI. At 6 months, no adverse events related to the TACT-ADRC were observed. No patients required major limb amputation, and ischaemic ulcers were partly or completely healed during the 6-month follow-up. In all cases, significant clinical improvements were seen in terms of rest pain and 6-min walking distance. Numbers of circulating CD34+ and CD133+ cells markers of progenitor cell persistently increased after ADRC implantation. The ratio of VEGF-A165b (an anti-angiogenic isoform of VEGF) to total VEGF-A in plasma significantly decreased after ADRC implantation. In vitro experiments, cultured with ADRC-conditioned media (CM) resulted in increased total VEGF-A and decreased VEGF-A165b in C2C12 cells, but not in macrophages. ADRC-CM also increased CD206+ cells expression and decreased TNF-α in macrophages. Autologous ADRC implantation was safe and effective in patients with CLI and could repair damaged tissue via its ability to promote angiogenesis and suppress tissue inflammation.
Publisher Correction: Clinical evaluation of fully automated molecular diagnostic system “Simprova” for influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and human metapneumovirus
Authors: Takayama Ikuyo , Semba Shohei , Yokono Kota , Saito Shinji , Nakauchi Mina , Kubo Hideyuki , Kaida Atsushi , Shiomi Masashi , Terada Akihiro , Murakami Kiyotaka , Kaji Katsushi , Kiya Keiichi , Sawada Yoshitaka , Oba Kunihiro , Asai Sadasaburo , Yonekawa Toshihiro , Watanabe Hidetoshi , Segawa Yuji , Notomi Tsugunori , Kageyama Tsutomu
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: Role of PKC in the Regulation of the Human Kidney Chloride Channel ClC-Ka
Authors: Gerbino Andrea , De Zio Roberta , Russo Daniela , Milella Luigi , Milano Serena , Procino Giuseppe , Pusch Michael , Svelto Maria , Carmosino Monica
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
H2O2 and Engrailed 2 paracrine activity synergize to shape the zebrafish optic tectum
Authors: Amblard Irène , Thauvin Marion , Rampon Christine , Queguiner Isabelle , Pak Valeriy V. , Belousov Vsevolod , Prochiantz Alain , Volovitch Michel , Joliot Alain , Vriz Sophie
Published: September 2020

Although a physiological role for redox signaling is now clearly established, the processes sensitive to redox signaling remains to be identified. Ratiometric probes selective for H2O2 have revealed its complex spatiotemporal dynamics during neural development and adult regeneration and perturbations of H2O2 levels disturb cell plasticity and morphogenesis. Here we ask whether endogenous H2O2 could participate in the patterning of the embryo. We find that perturbations of endogenous H2O2 levels impact on the distribution of the Engrailed homeoprotein, a strong determinant of midbrain patterning. Engrailed 2 is secreted from cells with high H2O2 levels and taken up by cells with low H2O2 levels where it leads to increased H2O2 production, steering the directional spread of the Engrailed gradient. These results illustrate the interplay between protein signaling pathways and metabolic processes during morphogenetic events.
Individual subunits of a rhinovirus causing common cold exhibit largely different protein-RNA contact site conformations
Authors: Blaas Dieter
Published: September 2020

Rhinoviruses cause the common cold. They are icosahedral, built from sixty copies each of the capsid proteins VP1 through VP4 arranged in a pseudo T = 3 lattice. This shell encases a ss(+) RNA genome. Three-D classification of single and oligomeric asymmetric units computationally excised from a 2.9 Å cryo-EM density map of rhinovirus A89, showed that VP4 and the N-terminal extension of VP1 adopt different conformations within the otherwise identical 3D-structures. Analysis of up to sixty classes of single subunits and of six classes of subunit dimers, trimers, and pentamers revealed different orientations of the amino acid residues at the interface with the RNA suggesting that local asymmetry is dictated by disparities of the interacting nucleotide sequences. The different conformations escape detection by 3-D structure determination of entire virions with the conformational heterogeneity being only indicated by low density. My results do not exclude that the RNA follows a conserved assembly mechanism, contacting most or all asymmetric units in a specific way. However, as suggested by the gradual loss of asymmetry with increasing oligomerization and the 3D-structure of entire virions reconstructed by using Euler angles selected in the classification of single subunits, RNA path and/or folding likely differ from virion to virion.
Raman hyperspectral imaging with multivariate analysis for investigating enzyme immobilization
Authors: Smith Joseph P. , Liu Melinda , Lauro Mackenzie L. , Balasubramanian Madhumitha , Forstater Jacob H. , Grosser Shane T. , Dance Zachary E. X. , Rhodes Timothy A. , Bu Xiaodong , Booksh Karl S.
Published: September 2020

Development of an analytical methodology to study enzyme immobilization for use in directed enzyme evolution and biocatalysis is presented. Raman hyperspectral imaging with PCA successfully resolved enzyme, resin and immobilization-relevant species.
Designing inhalable metal organic frameworks for pulmonary tuberculosis treatment and theragnosticsviaspray drying
Authors: Luz Ignacio , Stewart Ian E. , Mortensen Ninell P. , Hickey Anthony J.
Published: September 2020

Inhalable metal organic framework (MOF) aerosols have been developedviaspray drying as a therapy for multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB).
In silico design of novel NRR electrocatalysts: cobalt–molybdenum alloys
Authors: Castellano-Varona Blanca , Harb Moussab , Araña Javier , Cavallo Luigi , Azofra Luis Miguel
Published: September 2020

Cobalt-molybdenum alloys can stabilise the elusive N2H as the first reduced intermediate species in nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR).
Single-precision open-shell CCSD and CCSD(T) calculations on graphics processing units
Authors: Wang Zhifan , Guo Minggang , Wang Fan
Published: September 2020

It has been shown that coupled-cluster calculations with single-precision data are able to provide correlation energy with insignificant loss of accuracy.
The influence of spin–orbit coupling, Duschinsky rotation and displacement vector on the rate of intersystem crossing of benzophenone and its fused analog fluorenone: a time dependent correlation function based approach
Authors: Karak Pijush , Chakrabarti Swapan
Published: September 2020

A time dependent correlation function based study reveals that the rate of intersystem crossing of benzophenone and its fused analog, fluorenone is governed by a complex combination of spin–orbit coupling, displacements and Duschinsky mode mixing.
Integrating Z-scheme heterojunction of Co1-C3N4@α-Fe2O3 for efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: He Bing-Cai , Zhang Chao , Luo Pei-Pei , Li Yu , Lu Tong-Bu
Published: September 2020

A direct Z-scheme heterojunction of Co1-C3N4@α-Fe2O3 was constructed for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction coupled with water oxidation under visible-light irradiation, with a CO generation rate of 14.9 μmol g−1 h−1 and CO selectivity over 99%.
Augmenting T-cell responses to tumors by in situ nanomanufacturing
Authors: Hasani-Sadrabadi Mohammad Mahdi , Majedi Fatemeh S. , Miller Matthew L. , Thauland Timothy J. , Bouchard Louis-S. , Li Song , Butte Manish J.
Published: September 2020

Microparticles that locally manufacture and deliver cytokines promote immune responses to aggressive solid tumors.
Small organic molecule-based nanoparticles with red/near-infrared aggregation-induced emission for bioimaging and PDT/PTT synergistic therapy
Authors: Yang Mengqian , Deng Jingran , Su Huifang , Gu Shuangxi , Zhang Jie , Zhong Aiguo , Wu Fengshou
Published: September 2020

An organic small molecule T-BDP with D–A–D structure was designed and synthesized and could self-assemble into nanoparticles with significant AIE performance. Under 635 nm laser irradiation, T-BDP NPs ablate cancer cells through photodynamic/photothermal synergistic effects.
High-performance ionic conductive poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels for flexible strain sensors based on a universal soaking strategy
Authors: Di Xiang , Ma Qiyue , Xu Yue , Yang Mingming , Wu Guolin , Sun Pingchuan
Published: September 2020

A high-performance ionic conductive poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel for flexible strain sensors based on a universal soaking strategy.
Talaronoids A–D: four fusicoccane diterpenoids with an unprecedented tricyclic 5/8/6 ring system from the fungus Talaromyces stipitatus
Authors: Zhang Mi , Yan Shan , Liang Yu , Zheng Meijia , Wu Zhaodi , Zang Yi , Yu Muyuan , Sun Weiguang , Liu Junjun , Ye Ying , Wang Jianping , Chen Chunmei , Zhu Hucheng , Zhang Yonghui
Published: September 2020

Talaronoids A–D (1–4), four fusicoccane diterpenoids with an unexpected tricyclic 5/8/6 carbon skeleton from Talaromyces stipitatus, represent the first examples of natural products with a benzo[a]cyclopenta[d]cyclooctane skeleton.
Simultaneous CO2 capture and heat storage by a Ca/Mg-based composite in coupling calcium looping and CaO/Ca(OH)2 cycles using air as a heat transfer fluid
Authors: Zhang Chunxiao , Li Yingjie , Yuan Yi , Wang Zeyan , Wang Tao , Lei Wentao
Published: September 2020

The Ca/Mg-based composite prepared from carbide slag and dolomite is efficient for simultaneous CO2 capture and heat storage.
Xanthophyll carotenoids stabilise the association of cyanobacterial chlorophyll synthase with the LHC-like protein HliD
Authors: Proctor Matthew S. , Pazderník Marek , Jackson Philip J. , Pilný Jan , Martin Elizabeth C. , Dickman Mark J. , Canniffe Daniel P. , Johnson Matthew P. , Hunter C. Neil , Sobotka Roman , Hitchcock Andrew
Published: September 2020

Chlorophyll synthase (ChlG) catalyses a terminal reaction in the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway, attachment of phytol or geranylgeraniol to the C17 propionate of chlorophyllide. Cyanobacterial ChlG forms a stable complex with high light-inducible protein D (HliD), a small single-helix protein homologous to the third transmembrane helix of plant light-harvesting complexes (LHCs). The ChlG–HliD assembly binds chlorophyll, β-carotene, zeaxanthin and myxoxanthophyll and associates with the YidC insertase, most likely to facilitate incorporation of chlorophyll into translated photosystem apoproteins. HliD independently coordinates chlorophyll and β-carotene but the role of the xanthophylls, which appear to be exclusive to the core ChlG–HliD assembly, is unclear. Here we generated mutants of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 lacking specific combinations of carotenoids or HliD in a background with FLAG- or His-tagged ChlG. Immunoprecipitation experiments and analysis of isolated membranes demonstrate that the absence of zeaxanthin and myxoxanthophyll significantly weakens the interaction between HliD and ChlG. ChlG alone does not bind carotenoids and accumulation of the chlorophyllide substrate in the absence of xanthophylls indicates that activity/stability of the ‘naked’ enzyme is perturbed. In contrast, the interaction of HliD with a second partner, the photosystem II assembly factor Ycf39, is preserved in the absence of xanthophylls. We propose that xanthophylls are required for the stable association of ChlG and HliD, acting as a ‘molecular glue’ at the lateral transmembrane interface between these proteins; roles for zeaxanthin and myxoxanthophyll in ChlG–HliD complexation are discussed, as well as the possible presence of similar complexes between LHC-like proteins and chlorophyll biosynthesis enzymes in plants.
The eccentricity distribution of giant planets and their relation to super-Earths in the pebble accretion scenario
Authors: Bitsch Bertram , Trifonov Trifon , Izidoro Andre
Published: September 2020

Observations of the population of cold Jupiter planets (r >1 AU) show that nearly all of these planets orbit their host star on eccentric orbits. For planets up to a few Jupiter masses, eccentric orbits are thought to be the outcome of planet–planet scattering events taking place after gas dispersal. We simulated the growth of planets via pebble and gas accretion as well as the migration of multiple planetary embryos in their gas disc. We then followed the long-term dynamical evolution of our formed planetary system up to 100 Myr after gas disc dispersal. We investigated the importance of the initial number of protoplanetary embryos and different damping rates of eccentricity and inclination during the gas phase for the final configuration of our planetary systems. We constrained our model by comparing the final dynamical structure of our simulated planetary systems to that of observed exoplanet systems. Our results show that the initial number of planetary embryos has only a minor impact on the final orbital eccentricity distribution of the giant planets, as long as the damping of eccentricity and inclination is efficient. If the damping is inefficient (slow), systems with a larger initial number of embryos harbour larger average eccentricities. In addition, for slow damping rates, we observe that scattering events are already common during the gas disc phase and that the giant planets that formed in these simulations match the observed giant planet eccentricity distribution best. These simulations also show that massive giant planets (above Jupiter mass) on eccentric orbits are less likely to host inner super-Earths as they get lost during the scattering phase, while systems with less massive giant planets on nearly circular orbits should harbour systems of inner super-Earths. Finally, our simulations predict that giant planets are not single, on average, but they live in multi-planet systems.
Additive manufacturing of TiAl-based alloys
Authors: Dzogbewu Thywill Cephas
Published: September 2020

The ever-increasing demand for developing lightweight, high-temperature materials that can operate at elevated temperatures is still a subject of worldwide research and TiAl-based alloys have come to the fore. The conventional methods of manufacturing have been used successfully to manufacture the TiAl-based alloy. However, due to the inherent limitations of the conventional methods to produce large TiAl components with intricate near-net shapes has limit the widespread application and efficiency of the TiAl components produced using conventional methods. Metal additive manufacturing such as Electron Beam Melting technology could manufacture the TiAl alloys with intricate shapes but lack geometrical accuracy. Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology could manufacture the TiAl-based alloys with intricate shapes with geometrical accuracy. However, the inherent high rate of heating and cooling mechanisms of the LPBF process failed to produce crack-free TiAl components. Various preheating techniques have been experimented, to reduce the high thermal gradient and residual stress during the LPBF process that causes the cracking of the TiAl components. Although these techniques have not reached industrial readiness up to now, encouraging results have been achieved.
In memoriam Jan Friedrich Tönnies
Authors: Boch Rolf A. , Flöel Lennart
Published: September 2020

Der Todestag von Jan Friedrich Tönnies jährt sich am 24. Dezember zum
50. Mal. Ein Anlass, sich an den Ingenieur, Erfinder und Forscher zu erinnern und
seine Verdienste für die Elektrophysiologie zu würdigen. Besonders
hervorzuheben sind seine Entwicklungen zum Differenzverstärker und die
Konstruktion des Verstärkers mit Kathodenfolger.
Wundersame Heilung?
Authors: Heckelmann Jan , Dohrn Maike , Dafotakis Manuel
Published: September 2020

Der 86-jährige Patient wurde aktuell aufgrund eines Sturzes in der
Notaufnahme vorstellig. Er war erst einige Tage zuvor von unserer Stroke Unit nach
einem Teilinfarkt im Stromgebiet der A. cerebri media links (Abb. 1a) bei nicht-antikoaguliertem
Vorhofflimmern entlassen worden. Die damalige Klinik bestand aus einer
Feinmotorikstörung rechts, die sich bereits während des Stroke
Unit-Aufenthaltes als nahezu vollständig regredient erwies.
Rehabilitation nach Schlaganfall: Durch Gehirn-Computer-Schnittstelle
vermittelte funktionelle Elektrostimulation
Authors: Krueger Johanna , Reichert Christoph , Dürschmid Stefan , Krauth Richard , Vogt Susanne , Huchtemann Tessa , Lindquist Sabine , Lamprecht Juliane , Sailer Michael , Heinze Hans-Jochen , Hinrichs Hermann , Sweeney-Reed Catherine M.
Published: September 2020

Eine Gehirn-Computer-Schnittstelle (BCI) in der Rehabilitation von
Schlaganfallpatienten ermöglicht die Steuerung einer funktionellen
Elektrostimulation (FES), um eine Muskelkontraktion in der gelähmten
Extremität zum Zeitpunkt der Bewegungsintention durch Erkennung
entsprechender Hirnsignale auszulösen. Es wird angenommen, dass eine
genaue zeitliche Kohärenz zwischen Bewegungsintention und visuellem
sowie propriozeptivem Feedback, ausgelöst durch eine reale Bewegung,
neuroplastische Prozesse begünstigen und eine funktionelle
Verbesserung der Parese bewirken kann. In dieser systematischen
Übersichtsarbeit zu randomisierten kontrollierten Studien wurden die
Datenbanken Pubmed, Scopus und Web of Science durchsucht und von 516
berücksichtigten Publikationen 13 ausgewählt, die auf 7
Studienpopulationen basierten. Ein direkter Vergleich der Studien ist durch
Unterschiede im Studiendesign erschwert. Fünf Studien berichten von
einer verbesserten motorischen Funktion in der BCI-FES-Gruppe, davon zeigen
3 signifikante Unterschiede zwischen der BCI-FES- und der
Kontrollgruppe.
Rational oder spontan?
Authors: Hertlein Margit
Published: September 2020

Wir denken pausenlos, egal, ob schnell oder langsam. Um schnell zu entscheiden, ist der Strudelwurm eine feine Sache. Er hilft uns, rasch Antworten zu finden, oft die richtigen, aber leider nicht immer. Lesen Sie in dieser Ausgabe mehr über Denk- und Bewertungssysteme.
Die Zukunft auf dem Radar
Authors: Rossius Sabrina , Andresen Philipp
Published: September 2020

Entscheidungen zu transportieren, sie umzusetzen und mit Leben zu füllen, liegt in der Verantwortung des mittleren Pflegemanagements. Wie Sie Ihre Leitungen bei dieser schwierigen Aufgabe unterstützen können, den Zusammenhalt fördern und dabei viele neue Erkentnnise gewinnen, lesen Sie hier.
Dry arthroscopic 4-corner arthrodesis and other refinements to stay within a tourniquet time
Authors: Ruas Jaime S. , del Pinal Francisco , Mazarrasa Raquel
Published: September 2020

4-corner arthrodesis is a widely implanted procedure to treat degenerated joints in the wrist such as SLAC and SNAC stage II and III. Arthroscopy in combination with headless cannulated screws, permits reproducing the same intervention with the advantages of a minimally invasive surgery. This technique has already been published in the past supported by the early experience in this new exciting field. The purpose of this paper is to present new technical refinements collected over the years in order to speed up the surgery while obtaining optimum results. In this paper we also present extreme scenarios solved by combining the scope with cannulated screws.
Development of a novel scoring system based on endoscopic appearance for management of rectal neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Chen Luohai , Guo Yu , Zhang Yixuan , Liu Man , Zhang Yu , Lin Yuan , Chen Min-hu , Chen Jie
Published: September 2020

Background The clinical significance of the endoscopic appearance of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is poorly understood. We aimed to develop a novel scoring system based on endoscopic appearances to predict endoscopically advanced disease in patients with rectal NETs when initially diagnosed.

Methods Patients diagnosed with well-differentiated rectal NETs between January 2005 and December 2019 were retrospectively included. Logistic regression analyses were applied to study the relationship between endoscopic appearance and advanced disease. The whole dataset was randomly divided into training and validation sets, which were used to develop and validate a novel scoring system, respectively.

Results 309 patients were included. The endoscopic appearance of rectal NETs was significantly associated with advanced disease (P < 0.001). A novel scoring system was developed based on endoscopic appearance, including tumor size, tumor shape, and mucosal surface, using the training set. The area under curve (AUC) of the scoring system to predict advanced disease was 0.953 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.915 – 0.991; P < 0.001) and 0.960 (95 %CI 0.905 – 1.000; P < 0.001) in the training and validation sets, respectively. Furthermore, the scoring system was significantly associated with tumor grade. Patients with high scores had significantly worse disease-free and overall survival than patients with low scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusion This novel scoring system based on the endoscopic appearance of the primary tumor can help to accurately identify patients with endoscopically advanced disease who are not suitable for endoscopic resection. In addition, it is of great value in monitoring tumor recurrence and overall survival in patients with rectal NETs.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Difluoroalkylated Isoindolinones via Chiral Spirocyclic Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Mannich-Type Reaction
Authors: Lin Xufeng , Wang Lei , Zhong Jialing
Published: September 2020

An enantioselective Mannich-type reaction of in situ generated cyclic ketimines with difluoroenoxysilanes catalyzed by chiral spirocyclic phosphoric acid has been developed. This methodology provides a facile route to difluoroalkyl-substituted chiral isoindolinones bearing a quaternary stereogenic center in high yields and up to 96% enantioselectivity.
History Page: Leaders in MSK Radiology
Authors: Van Tiggelen René , Dirckx Jan
Published: September 2020

Military physician Etienne Henrard has played an important role in both civil and military radiology. He was adjunct at the radiological department, created in 1897, in the military hospital in Brussels. In 1900, he equipped one of the first private cabinets in Brussels. He was especially interested in bone radiology, stereo-radiography and the localization of foreign bodies for which he invented, during the “Great War,” a device for their extraction. In 1905, he was one of the founding members of the Belgian Radiological Society where he also held many functions. In 1931, he was promoted to the rank of Physician-General.
t
BuO2H/Cu(acac)2-Mediated Intramolecular Oxidative Lactonization of o-Allyl Arylaldehydes: Synthesis of 1-Oxoisochromans
Authors: Chang Meng-Yang , Lai Kai-Xiang , Chen Kuan-Ting
Published: September 2020

A concise route for the
t
BuO2H/Cu(acac)2-mediated synthesis of 1-oxoisochromans is described. This includes: (i) oxidation of oxygenated o-allyl arylaldehydes and (ii) sequential intramolecular lactonization of the resulting olefin-containing benzoic acids. A plausible mechanism is proposed and discussed.
An Efficient Synthesis of Functionalized 2H-1,3,5-Oxadiazines via Metal-Carbenoid-Induced 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Ring Cleavage
Authors: Novikov Mikhail S. , Strelnikova Julia O. , Rostovskii Nikolai V. , Khoroshilova Olesya V. , Khlebnikov Alexander F.
Published: September 2020

A high-yielding method for the synthesis of 2H-1,3,5-oxadiazines by rhodium(II)- or copper(II)-catalyzed reaction of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles with α-diazo esters has been developed. The reaction proceeds via attack of the metallocarbenoid on the oxadiazole N2 atom followed by ring opening/1,6-electrocyclization and enables the introduction of alkyl, aryl, oxy, and amino substituents into the 6-position and electron-withdrawing groups into the 2-position of 1,3,5-oxadiazine. The N2-attack and the N4-attack of the carbenoid cause different oxadiazole ring openings, which are controlled by the substitution at C5. The presence of a substituent at this position is a prerequisite for the N2-attack to occur, leading to the formation of 1,3,5-oxadiazines.
Quantitative Imaging in Inflammatory Arthritis: Between Tradition and Innovation
Authors: Giraudo Chiara , Kainberger Franz , Boesen Mikael , Trattnig Siegfried
Published: September 2020

Radiologic imaging is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring rheumatic inflammatory diseases. Particularly the emerging approach of precision medicine has increased the interest in quantitative imaging. Extensive research has shown that ultrasound allows a quantification of direct signs such as bone erosions and synovial thickness. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (CT) contribute to the quantitative assessment of secondary signs such as osteoporosis or lean mass loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), using different techniques and sequences, permits in-depth evaluations. For instance, the perfusion of the inflamed synovium can be quantified by dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging or diffusion-weighted imaging, and cartilage injury can be assessed by mapping (T1ρ, T2). Furthermore, the increased metabolic activity characterizing the inflammatory response can be reliably assessed by hybrid imaging (positron emission tomography [PET]/CT, PET/MRI). Finally, advances in intelligent systems are pushing forward quantitative imaging. Complex mathematical algorithms of lesions' segmentation and advanced pattern recognition are showing promising results.
Quantitative Imaging of Body Composition
Authors: Hemke Robert , Buckless Colleen , Torriani Martin
Published: September 2020

Body composition refers to the amount and distribution of lean tissue, adipose tissue, and bone in the human body. Lean tissue primarily consists of skeletal muscle; adipose tissue comprises mostly abdominal visceral adipose tissue and abdominal and nonabdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue. ﻿Hepatocellular and myocellular lipids are also fat pools with important metabolic implications. Importantly, body composition reflects generalized processes such as increased adiposity in obesity and age-related loss of muscle mass known as sarcopenia.

In recent years, body composition has been extensively studied quantitatively to predict overall health. Multiple imaging methods have allowed precise estimates of tissue types and provided insights showing the relationship of body composition to varied pathologic conditions. In this review article, we discuss different imaging methods used to quantify body composition and describe important anatomical locations where target tissues can be measured.
Identifying Musculoskeletal Pain Generators Using Clinical PET
Authors: Yoon Daehyun , Kogan Feliks , Gold Garry E. , Biswal Sandip
Published: September 2020

Identifying the source of a person's pain is a significant clinical challenge because the physical sensation of pain is believed to be subjective and difficult to quantify. The experience of pain is not only modulated by the individual's threshold to painful stimuli but also a product of the person's affective contributions, such as fear, anxiety, and previous experiences. Perhaps then to quantify pain is to examine the degree of nociception and pro-nociceptive inflammation, that is, the extent of cellular, chemical, and molecular changes that occur in pain-generating processes. Measuring changes in the local density of receptors, ion channels, mediators, and inflammatory/immune cells that are involved in the painful phenotype using targeted, highly sensitive, and specific positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers is therefore a promising approach toward objectively identifying peripheral pain generators. Although several preclinical radiotracer candidates are being developed, a growing number of ongoing clinical PET imaging approaches can measure the degree of target concentration and thus serve as a readout for sites of pain generation. Further, when PET is combined with the spatial and contrast resolution afforded by magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists can potentially identify pain drivers with greater accuracy and confidence. Clinical PET imaging approaches with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose, fluorine-18 sodium fluoride, and sigma-1 receptor PET radioligand and translocator protein radioligands to isolate the source of pain are described here.
Total Hip Replacement: Exchange of a Loose Perforated Press-Fit Cup with a Porous-Coated Press-Fit Cup in a Dog
Authors: Colthurst Stephanie M.M. , Simcock James O. , Cashmore Ricky G.
Published: September 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to report the successful revision of a loose perforated press-fit cup by exchange with a porous-coated press-fit cup while maintaining the original locking stem and head–neck unit.

Methods Cup revision was performed in a dog with a loose acetabular cup that had undergone total hip replacement with a perforated press-fit cup and locking stem 29 months previously. The original locking stem was well integrated. A single session cup exchange was performed by implantation of a 28-mm porous-coated press-fit cup with 16 mm internal diameter to allow the original locking stem and head–neck unit to be preserved.

Results Revision total hip arthroplasty by cup exchange resulted in excellent functional outcome with long-term follow-up 18 months postoperatively. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications.

Conclusion A loose perforated press-fit cup was successfully revised with a porous press-fit cup while allowing preservation of the initial locking stem and head–neck unit.
Change to Hearing Loss–Related Risks and Screening in Preterm Infants
Authors: Zhu Xiaodan , Lei Xiaoping , Dong Wenbin
Published: September 2020

Hearing loss is one of the most common congenital defects in infancy; it increases speech and language delays and adversely affects academic achievement and socialemotional development. The risk of hearing loss in premature infants is higher than that in normal newborns, and because of the fragility of the auditory nervous system, it is more vulnerable to different risk factors. The hearing screening guidelines in current use were proposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and updated in 2007, but there are no uniform guidelines for hearing screening in preterm infants. This review focuses on the risk factors related to hearing loss in premature infants, hearing screening strategies, and reasons for failure. The aim is to provide a more comprehensive understanding of hearing development in preterm infants to achieve early detection and early intervention. At the same time, attention should be paid to delayed auditory maturation in preterm infants to avoid excessive intervention.

Key Points
Cholestasis: A Prospective Study of Perinatal Outcomes and Time to Symptom Improvement
Authors: Yule Casey S. , Holcomb Denisse S. , Kraus Alexandria C. , Brown Charles E.L. , McIntire Donald D. , Nelson David B.
Published: September 2020

Objective Although intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) remains poorly understood, there are several perinatal complications associated with this condition. This study aimed to examine perinatal outcomes of women with ICP, evaluate outcomes according to severity of disease, and monitor time to symptom improvement following diagnosis.

Study Design It involves a prospective, observational study of women with ICP at a single institution. Women with new-onset pruritus without rash were referred to a high-risk obstetrics clinic and evaluated with fasting total bile acids (TBA). Laboratory-confirmed ICP was defined as fasting TBA ≥10 µmol/L. Following diagnosis, a standardized protocol was utilized, including treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Perinatal outcomes were compared amongst those with and without ICP, and to the general population. Women with ICP were further analyzed based on maximum TBA: 10 to 39, 40 to 99, and ≥100 µmol/L. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyze time to symptom improvement.

Results A total of 404 patients were evaluated and 212 (52%) were diagnosed with ICP. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 34.1 ± 3.3 weeks. When comparing those with ICP to those not confirmed, and to the general population, there were no differences in age, parity, mode of delivery, preeclampsia, or stillbirth (p > 0.05). Preterm birth was significantly associated with ICP (p < 0.01). This relationship was significant across increasing severity of TBA (p < 0.01) and persisted when examining rates of spontaneous preterm birth (p < 0.01). All women with fasting TBA ≥40 µmol/L delivered preterm due to premature rupture of membranes or spontaneous labor. Time to symptom improvement after diagnosis was over 2 weeks on average; however, this time increased with worsening severity of disease.

Conclusion Despite treatment with UDCA, women with ICP are at increased risk for spontaneous preterm birth, and this risk significantly increased with severity of disease. Although not significant, a trend exists between increasing time to symptom improvement and worsening severity of disease.

Key Points
Thoracolumbar Junction Fracture: Principle of Management
Authors: Prajapati Hanuman Prasad
Published: September 2020

The thoracolumbar junction (TLJ) is the most common site of traumatic spinal injury. Its management is a highly controversial area. There are no specific guidelines for management of these injuries. The primary goal of treatment of TLJ fractures involves protecting the spinal cord from further neural damage, obtaining the stability by reconstructing anatomical alignment of spinal column, and returning patients to workplace through early mobilization and rehabilitation. There is a great variation in evaluation of stability of these fractures, which is one of the crucial factors in deciding the treatment. Controversy also exists regarding conservative versus operative treatment, timing of intervention, anterior versus posterior approach, short versus long segment fixation, and bracing versus no bracing. This article had reviewed the conflicting results and recommendations for management of TLJ fractures of previously published reports in PubMed, PubMed Central, and Medline databases. We analyzed these related articles which addresses issues regarding evaluation of stability, indications for operative and conservative treatment, timing of surgery, surgical approach, and fusion length.
Retrospective Analytic Study of Neurosurgical Patients Who Developed Postoperative Hydrocephalus
Authors: Vemula Ramesh Chandra Venkata , Prasad B. C.M. , Kumar Kunal
Published: September 2020

Objective This article discusses the causes, primary pathologies, management, and prognosis of patients who did not have hydrocephalus in preoperative stage, underwent definitive surgical procedure, and developed postoperative hydrocephalus requiring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedures.

Methods Retrospective data collection was done from operation theatre (OT) department database and patient records were obtained for the patients after, related literature was searched, all possible risk factors were analyzed, and our results were compared with other studies.

Results A total of 80 cases were found eligible for the study. Decompressive craniectomy was the most common cause followed by aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), intraventricular, and cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors. Rate of postsurgical hydrocephalus was 15 to 16%. Cases of decompressive craniectomy presented late, only few cases required diversion procedures during the immediate postop period, mostly aneurysm cases and tumors bed bleed. Out of total 6 mortalities, none of them were directly attributable to hydrocephalus. Since most patient presented after initial stabilization, permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunting was found to be the best option.

Conclusion Cases of decompression surgery should be under vigilant follow-up after discharge and even after cranioplasty for risk of development of hydrocephalus and requirement of permanent shunting. Cases with intraventricular hemorrhage or SAH should be considered as future candidate with risk of developing hydrocephalus. Lamina terminalis opening whenever possible results in favorable outcome in cases of anterior circulation aneurysms. CSF protein analysis in cases of intraventricular and CPA tumors should be done whenever possible, preferably routinely.