bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of diffusion microstructure imaging in musculoskeletal radiology — translation from head to shoulders
Authors: Rau Alexander , Jungmann Pia M. , Diallo Thierno D. , Reisert Marco , Kellner Elias , Eisenblaetter Michel , Bamberg Fabian , Jung Matthias
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Quantitative MRI techniques, such as diffusion microstructure imaging (DMI), are increasingly applied for advanced tissue characterization. We determined its value in rotator cuff (RC) muscle imaging by studying the association of DMI parameters to isometric strength and fat fraction (FF).

Methods

Healthy individuals prospectively underwent 3T-MRI of the shoulder using DMI and chemical shift encoding-based water-fat imaging. RC muscles were segmented and quantitative MRI metrics (V-ISO, free fluid; V-intra, compartment inside of muscle fibers; V-extra, compartment outside of muscle fibers, and FF) were extracted. Isometric shoulder strength was quantified using specific clinical tests. Sex-related differences were assessed with Student’s t. Association of DMI-metrics, FF, and strength was tested. A factorial two-way ANOVA was performed to compare the main effects of sex and external/internal strength-ratio and their interaction effects on quantitative imaging parameters ratios of infraspinatus/subscapularis.

Results

Among 22 participants (mean age: 26.7 ± 3.1 years, 50% female, mean BMI: 22.6 ± 1.9 kg/m2), FF of the individual RC muscles did not correlate with strength or DMI parameters (all p > 0.05). Subjects with higher V-intra (r = 0.57 to 0.87, p < 0.01) and lower V-ISO (r = −0.6 to −0.88, p < 0.01) had higher internal and external rotation strength. Moreover, V-intra was higher and V-ISO was lower in all RC muscles in males compared to female subjects (all p < 0.01). There was a sex-independent association of external/internal strength-ratio with the ratio of V-extra of infraspinatus/subscapularis (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Quantitative DMI parameters may provide incremental information about muscular function and microstructure in young athletes and may serve as a potential biomarker.

Key Points

• Diffusion microstructure imaging was successfully applied to non-invasively assess the microstructure of rotator cuff muscles in healthy volunteers.

• Sex-related differences in the microstructural composition of the rotator cuff were observed.

• Muscular microstructural metrics correlated with rotator cuff strength and may serve as an imaging biomarker of muscular integrity and function.
Study of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties of nanocrystalline Bi2Mn4O10
Authors: Fareed Shereef A. , Ibrahim Makram , Hannora Ahmed E. , El-Desoky M. M.
Published: October 2022

Nano-crystalline bismuth manganese oxide Bi2Mn4O10 was prepared from Bi2O3 and MnO2 by mechanochemical technique at different milling times followed by heat treatment at 1073 K. The crystal structural were obtained using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and TEM. We obtained the variation of the crystallite size and micro-strain with milling time. The magnetic parameters include the saturation magnetization, coercivity and squareness ratio were obtained by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Each of the coercive field, Squareness ratio and saturation magnetization increased with increasing the milling time. The electrical conduction of the prepared samples was evaluated by AC conductivity measurements at different temperature, the dielectric parameters were plotted against temperature at different frequencies. The conduction mechanism is described by the correlated barrier hopping model (CBH). The recoverable energy density and loss energy was obtained to calculate the storage energy efficiency.
Ultra-compact and -broadband integrated plasmonic waveplates with high efficiency
Authors: Pezeshki Hamed
Published: October 2022

Ultra-compact and -broadband integrated gold plasmonic half-wave and quarter-wave plates (HWP and QWP) based on the mode interference mechanism are proposed with applications in magneto-photonics, mode- and polarization-division multiplexing. The numerical simulations based on a finite element method reveals that the proposed HWP offers a maximum polarization conversion efficiency of 99.6$$\%$$%at a wavelength of$$\lambda _0$$λ0= 1.55$$\mu$$μm with a 1 dB bandwidth of 140 nm ($$\lambda _0$$λ0= 1.47–1.61$$\mu$$μm), covering 82$$\%$$%of the S to L telecommunication bands. In this wavelength range, HWP has an insertion loss below 2.3 dB and an extinction ratio between 9 and 24 dB, respectively. The presented QWP functions over the C telecommunication band ($$\lambda _0$$λ0= 1.53–1.565$$\mu$$μm), where the transmission contrast between its transverse magnetic and electric modes is 0±0.04. Moreover, QWP offers a polarization rotation angle in the range of 45±5$$^\circ$$∘over the same wavelength range. Finally, this paper illustrates that the proposed waveplates have a robust tolerance to fabrication errors.
Motor, cognitive and behavioural profiles of C9orf72 expansion-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Colombo Eleonora , Poletti Barbara , Maranzano Alessio , Peverelli Silvia , Solca Federica , Colombrita Claudia , Torre Silvia , Tiloca Cinzia , Verde Federico , Bonetti Ruggero , Carelli Laura , Morelli Claudia , Ratti Antonia , Silani Vincenzo , Ticozzi Nicola
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) individuals carrying the hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) in the C9orf72 gene (C9Pos) have been described as presenting distinct features compared to the general ALS population (C9Neg). We aim to identify the phenotypic traits more closely associated with the HRE and analyse the role of the repeat length as a modifier factor.

Methods

We studied a cohort of 960 ALS patients (101 familial and 859 sporadic cases). Motor phenotype was determined using the MRC scale, the lower motor neuron score (LMNS) and the Penn upper motor neuron score (PUMNS). Neuropsychological profile was studied using the Italian version of the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen (ECAS), the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). A two-step PCR protocol and Southern blotting were performed to determine the presence and the size of C9orf72 HRE, respectively.

Results

C9orf72 HRE was detected in 55/960 ALS patients. C9Pos patients showed a younger onset, higher odds of bulbar onset, increased burden of UMN signs, reduced survival and higher frequency of concurrent dementia. We found an inverse correlation between the HRE length and the performance at ECAS ALS-specific tasks (P = 0.031). Patients also showed higher burden of behavioural disinhibition (P = 1.6 × 10–4), lower degrees of depression (P = 0.015) and anxiety (P = 0.008) compared to C9Neg cases.

Conclusions

Our study provides an extensive characterization of motor, cognitive and behavioural features of C9orf72-related ALS, indicating that the C9orf72 HRE size may represent a modifier of the cognitive phenotype.
Comparison of 2 modern swept-source optical biometers—IOLMaster 700 and Anterion
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Szentmáry Nóra , Cayless Alan , Wendelstein Jascha , Hoffmann Peter
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To compare biometric measures from 2 modern swept-source OCT biometers (IOLMaster700 (Z, Carl-Zeiss-Meditec) and Anterion (H, Heidelberg Engineering)) and evaluate the effect of measurement differences on the resulting lens power (IOLP).

Methods

Biometric measurements were made on a large study population with both instruments. We compared axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT) and corneal front and back surface curvature measurements. Corneal curvature was converted to power vectors and total power derived using the Gullstrand formula. A paraxial lens power calculation formula and a prediction for the IOL axial position according to the Castrop formula were used to estimate differences in IOLP targeting for emmetropia.

Results

There were no systematic differences between measurements of AL (− 0.0146 ± 0.0286 mm) and LT (0.0383 ± 0.0595 mm), whereas CCT yielded lower (7.8 ± 6.6 µm) and ACD higher (0.1200 ± 0.0531 mm) values with H. With H, CCT was lower for thicker corneas. The mean corneal front surface radius did not differ (− 0.4 ± 41.6 µm), but the corneal back surface yielded a steeper radius (− 397.0 ± 74.6 µm) with H, giving lower mean total power (− 0.3469 ± 0.2689 dpt). The astigmatic vector components in 0°/90° and 45°/135° were the same between both instruments for the front/back surface or total power.

Conclusion

The biometric measures used in standard formulae (AL, corneal front surface curvature/power) are consistent between instruments. However, modern formulae involving ACD, CCT or corneal back surface curvature may yield differences in IOLP, and therefore, formula constant optimisation customised to the biometer type is required.
In vivo ligamentogenesis in embroidered poly(lactic-co-ε-caprolactone) / polylactic acid scaffolds functionalized by fluorination and hexamethylene diisocyanate cross-linked collagen foams
Authors: Kokozidou Maria , Gögele Clemens , Pirrung Felix , Hammer Niels , Werner Christian , Kohl Benjamin , Hahn Judith , Breier Annette , Schröpfer Michaela , Meyer Michael , Schulze-Tanzil Gundula
Published: October 2022

Although autografts represent the gold standard for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, tissue-engineered ACLs provide a prospect to minimize donor site morbidity and limited graft availability. This study characterizes the ligamentogenesis in embroidered poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (P(LA-CL)) / polylactic acid (PLA) constructs using a dynamic nude mice xenograft model. (P(LA-CL))/PLA scaffolds remained either untreated (co) or were functionalized by gas fluorination (F), collagen foam cross-linked with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) (coll), or F combined with the foam (F + coll). Cell-free constructs or those seeded for 1 week with lapine ACL ligamentocytes were implanted into nude mice for 12 weeks. Following explantation, cell vitality and content, histo(patho)logy of scaffolds (including organs: liver, kidney, spleen), sulphated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) contents and biomechanical properties were assessed.

Scaffolds did not affect mice weight development and organs, indicating no organ toxicity. Moreover, scaffolds maintained their size and shape and reflected a high cell viability prior to and following implantation. Coll or F + coll scaffolds seeded with cells yielded superior macroscopic properties compared to the controls. Mild signs of inflammation (foreign-body giant cells and hyperemia) were limited to scaffolds without collagen. Microscopical score values and sGAG content did not differ significantly. Although remaining stable after explantation, elastic modulus, maximum force, tensile strength and strain at Fmax were significantly lower in explanted scaffolds compared to those before implantation, with no significant differences between scaffold subtypes, except for a higher maximum force in F + coll compared with F samples (in vivo). Scaffold functionalization with fluorinated collagen foam provides a promising approach for ACL tissue engineering.

Graphical abstract

a Lapine anterior cruciate ligament (LACL): red arrow, posterior cruciate ligament: yellow arrow. Medial anterior meniscotibial ligament: black arrow. b Explant culture to isolate LACL fibroblasts. c Scaffold variants: co: controls; F: functionalization by gas-phase fluorination; coll: collagen foam cross-linked with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI). c1-2 Embroidery pattern of the scaffolds. d Scaffolds were seeded with LACL fibroblasts using a dynamical culturing approach as depicted. e Scaffolds were implanted subnuchally into nude mice, fixed at the nuchal ligament and sacrospinal muscle tendons. f Two weeks after implantation. g Summary of analyses performed. Scale bars 1 cm (b, d), 0.5 cm (c). (sketches drawn by G.S.-T. using Krita 4.1.7 [Krita foundation, The Netherlands]).
Object-based visual working memory: an object benefit for equidistant memory items presented within simple contours
Authors: Balta Gülşen , Kandemir Güven , Akyürek Elkan G.
Published: October 2022

Previous research has shown that more information can be stored in visual working memory (VWM) when multiple items belong to the same object. Here, in four experiments, we investigated the object effect on memory for spatially equidistant features by manipulating simple, task-irrelevant contours that combined these features. In Experiments 1, 3, and, 4, three grating orientations, and in Experiment 2, one color and two orientations, were presented simultaneously to be memorized. Mixture modeling was applied to estimate both the precision and the guess rates of recall errors. Overall results showed that two target features were remembered more accurately when both were part of the same object. Further analysis showed that the probability of recall increased in particular when both features were extracted from the same object. In Experiment 2, we found that the object effect was greater for features from orthogonal dimensions, but this came at the cost of lower memory precision. In Experiment 3, when we kept the locations of the features perfectly consistent over trials so that the participants could attend to these locations rather than the contour, we still found object benefits. Finally, in Experiment 4 when we manipulated the temporal order of the object and the memory features presentations, it was confirmed that the object benefit is unlikely to stem from the strategical usage of object information. These results suggested that the object benefit arises automatically, likely at an early perceptual level.
Oral and dental late effects in long-term survivors of childhood embryonal brain tumors
Authors: Tanem Kristine Eidal , Stensvold Einar , Wilberg Petter , Skaare Anne B. , Brandal Petter , Herlofson Bente Brokstad
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To investigate oral and dental late effects in survivors of childhood brain tumors medulloblastoma (MB) and central nervous system supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor (CNS-PNET).

Methods

This cross-sectional study assessed oral and dental late effects in MB/CNS-PNET survivors treated before 20 years of age, and with a minimum of 2 years since treatment. Participants went through an oral and radiographic examination. We assessed oral status using the decayed-missing-filled index (DMFT), oral dryness, maximum mouth opening (MMO), fungal infection, and registration of dental developmental disturbances (DDD) in the form of hypodontia, microdontia, and enamel hypoplasia.

Results

The 46 participants’ mean age at enrolment was 27 ± 12.8 years and at treatment 8.5 ± 5.2 years, and the mean time since treatment was 18.9 ± 12 years. Over a third (35%) of survivors had reduced mouth opening (mean 29.3 ± 5.6 mm (range 16–35)). A significantly lower MMO was found in individuals treated ≤ 5 years compared to survivors treated > 5 years (p = 0.021). One or more DDD were registered in 30.4% of the survivors, with a significantly higher prevalence in individuals treated ≤ 5 years (p < 0.001). Hypodontia was the most prevalent type of DDD. There was no difference in DMFT score in relation to age at treatment. Oral dryness was not frequently reported or observed in these survivors.

Conclusion

Survivors of childhood MB/CNS-PNET are at risk of oral and dental late effects including reduced mouth opening and DDD. The risk is highest in survivors treated before the age of 5.
Afebrile chemotherapy-induced neutropenia: an international survey spots oncologists’ routine clinical practice versus the standard of care and the impact of COVID-19
Authors: Saad Ereny Samwel Poles , Oualla Karima , Talibova Narmin , Gening Snezhanna , YousefYousef Shady Gayed
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Afebrile chemotherapy-induced neutropenia represents a frequent clinical situation where chemotherapy protocol, patient’s comorbidities, and disease status determine the risk of infection hence the management plan. Internationally distributed, this questionnaire aims to evaluate the routine practice and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on afebrile chemotherapy-induced neutropenia management.

Material and methods

Coordinators from Egypt, Morocco, Azerbaijan, and Russia developed a 12-item questionnaire using Google forms to explore how oncologists deal with afebrile chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. The link to the survey was available internationally through social media and to their local societies over the period from July to September 2021.

Results

We received 151 responses from 4 world regions: 58.9, 9.9, 11.3, and 15.2% from the Mena area, Russia, Europe, and Asia. The responses deviated from the guideline-driven practice as G-CSF was the most chosen option for intermediate risk that was statistically different based on the academic background of the treating physician. Half of the responders ignored patients and disease risk factors in the intermediate-risk cases that trend was statistically different based on the geographical distribution. The steroid was a valid option for intermediate and low-risk as per oncologists practicing in Russia. COVID-19 pandemic positively affected the rate of prescription of G-CSF as expected.

Conclusion

The disparities in the routine practice of oncologists based on their geographical and academic backgrounds highlight the need to analyze the underlying obstacles that hinder guideline-based practice like workload or lack of the proper knowledge.
Novel synthetic procedures for C2 substituted imidazoquinolines as ligands for the α/β-interface of the GABAA-receptor
Authors: Draskovits Markus , Catorci Daniele , Wimmer Laurin , Rehman Sabah , Siebert David Chan Bodin , Ernst Margot , Schnürch Michael , Mihovilovic Marko D.
Published: October 2022

A series of substituted imidazoquinolines, a structurally related chemotype to pyrazoloquinolinones, a well-known class of GABAA ligands, was prepared via two synthetic procedures and the efficiency of these procedures were compared. One method relies on classical heterocyclic synthesis, the other one aims at late-stage decoration of a truncated scaffold via direct C–H functionalization. A pharmacological evaluation disclosed that one of the synthesized derivatives showed interesting activity on a α1β3 containing receptor subtype.

Graphical abstract
Men with Crohn’s disease may have an increased risk for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma — a nationwide register study
Authors: Harjunen Anni , Puolakkainen Enna , Laine Hanna K. , Rautava Jaana
Published: October 2022

Objective

Our goal was to study inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients’ risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), compared to general population.

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective nationwide register-based study of Finnish individuals diagnosed with IBD between the years 1995 and 2015. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of HNSCC was calculated by comparing the cohort’s complementary age-year-sex-person-year incidence to that of the whole Finnish population.

Results

About 70,567 patients were diagnosed with IBD (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). Later, 89 of them were diagnosed with HNSCC with mean time of 6.82 years. The incidence of HNSCC was increased in IBD patients compared to the Finnish population expectation (SIR 1.3, 95% CI 1.065–1.614, P = 0.062). When calculating Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis separately as well as men and women separately, the incidence was particularly increased for men with Crohn’s disease (SIR 1.951, 95% CI 1.216–2.935, P = 0.025).

Conclusion

An increased risk for HNSCC was found in men with Crohn’s disease compared to the Finnish population expectations.

Clinical relevance

This study provides information that would improve follow-up protocols and treatment guidelines of IBD.
Impact of easing COVID-19 safety measures on trauma computed tomography imaging volumes
Authors: Rao Sriram , Glavis-Bloom Justin , Kakish David , Tran-Harding Karen , Chow Daniel S. , Nguyentat Michael , Yeates Eric O. , Nahmias Jeffry , Houshyar Roozbeh
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to substantial disruptions in healthcare staffing and operations. Stay-at-home (SAH) orders and limitations in social gathering implemented in spring 2020 were followed by initial decreases in healthcare and imaging utilization. This study aims to evaluate the impact of subsequent easing of SAH on trauma volumes, demand for, and turnaround times for trauma computed tomography (CT) exams, hypothesizing that after initial decreases, trauma volumes have increased as COVID safety measures have been reduced.

Methods

Patient characteristics, CT imaging volumes, and turnaround time were analyzed for all adult activated emergency department trauma patients requiring CT imaging at a single Level-I trauma center (1/2018–2/2022) located in the sixth most populous county in the USA. Based on COVID safety measures in place in the state of California, three time periods were compared: baseline (PRE, 1/1/2018–3/19/2020), COVID safety measures (COVID, 3/20/2020–1/25/2021), and POST (1/26/2021–2/28/2022).

Results

There were 16,984 trauma patients across the study (PRE = 8289, COVID = 3139, POST = 5556). The average daily trauma patient volumes increased significantly in the POST period compared to the PRE and COVID periods (13.9 vs. 10.3 vs. 10.1, p < 0.001), with increases in both blunt (p < 0.001) and penetrating (p = 0.002) trauma. The average daily number of trauma CT examinations performed increased significantly in the POST period compared to the PRE and COVID periods (56.7 vs. 48.3 vs. 47.6, p < 0.001), with significant increases in average turnaround time (47 min vs. 31 and 37, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

After initial decreases in trauma radiology volumes following stay-at-home orders, subsequent easing of safety measures has coincided with increases in trauma imaging volumes above pre-pandemic levels and longer exam turnaround times.
Experimental Characterization of Upper Trailing Edge Flaps for Transonic Buffet Control
Authors: D’Aguanno Alessandro , Schrijer Ferdinand F. J. , van Oudheusden Bas W.
Published: October 2022

This experimental study investigates the possibility of controlling transonic buffet by means of a trailing edge flap with an upward deflection (referred to as “upper trailing edge flap”, or: UTEF). Different geometries (straight and serrated) and dimensions of UTEFs (with heights ranging between 1 and 2% of the chord) have been studied with respect to their impact on the buffet behavior. The effectiveness of the UTEFs has been investigated with schlieren and particle image velocimetry (PIV) in the transonic-supersonic wind tunnel of TU Delft at Ma = 0.70, α = 3.5°. The schlieren results demonstrated the efficacy of the use of UTEFs for reducing the range of the buffet oscillations when the height of the UTEF was equal to at least 1.5%c. This result was corroborated by a flow characterization with PIV data and which highlighted that, in presence of a control system, not only the shock oscillation range is reduced but also the intensity of the separated area pulsation. The use of serrated UTEFs, despite having an effect on the local flow field, was found to be ineffective in alleviating buffet oscillations. The adoption of the best behaving UTEF configuration (straight 2%c UTEF) proved to only slightly alter the circulation value compared to the clean configuration, while it also proved to be effective in an off-buffet condition (Ma = 0.74 and α = 2.5°).
Novel Assay for Attached Filamentous Algae Productivity and Nutrient Removal
Authors: Hariz Harizah B. , Lawton Rebecca J. , Craggs Rupert J.
Published: October 2022

Filamentous algae nutrient scrubbers (FANS) have demonstrated potential for cost-effective and sustainable nutrient bioremediation of a wide range of wastewaters. Typically, FANS are seeded with a mixed assemblage of algae species, however, growing a monoculture of one species on FANS could facilitate biomass use by providing a more consistent and high-quality substrate for end-product applications. To date, a standardised bioassay to assess the productivity and nutrient removal of filamentous algae attached to a bottom substrate (that could help identify promising species for FANS monoculture) has not been developed. Therefore, we developed a microscale filamentous algae nutrient scrubber (µFANS) and a protocol to establish monocultures of freshwater filamentous algae to compare performance in terms of attachment capability, nutrient removal and biomass production. Four common filamentous algae species (Cladophora sp., Oedogonium sp., Rhizoclonium sp. and Spirogyra sp.) were seeded by evenly distributing and rubbing the biomass onto µFANS textured liner to “hook” algal filaments, providing initial physical attachment. Within 14 days, a “lawn” of the seeded algae had established and the “hooked” biomass had attached biologically. Depending on species, biological attachment resulted from either holdfast development from filaments that grew from settled zoospores, growth of rhizoids or adhesion of filament fragments to mucilage. Biomass productivity of each species ranged from 2.2 to 5.3 g DW m−2 day−1 while nutrient removal rates ranged from 8.8 to 28.4 mg NO3 g−1 DW day−1 and 2.2 to 8.1 mg PO4 g−1 DW day−1. Oedogonium sp. was the best performing species overall, with the strongest holdfast attachment, high biomass productivity (mean 4.2 g DW m−2 day−1) and high nutrient removal rates (mean 21.8 mg NO3 g−1 DW day−1; 5.6 mg PO4 g−1 DW day−1).
Representative endowments and uniform Gini orderings of multi-attribute welfare
Authors: Mosler Karl
Published: October 2022

For the comparison of inequality and welfare in multiple attributes the use of generalized Gini indices is proposed. Individual endowment vectors are summarized by using attribute weights and aggregated in a spectral social evaluation function. Such functions are based on classes of spectral functions, ordered by their aversion to inequality. Given a spectrum and a set P of attribute weights, a multivariate Gini dominance ordering, being uniform in weights, is defined. If the endowment vectors are comonotonic, the dominance is determined by their marginal distributions; if not, the dependence structure of the endowment distribution has to be taken into account. For this, a set-valued representative endowment is introduced that characterizes the welfare of a d-dimensioned distribution. It consists of all points above the lower border of a convex compact in $$\mathbb {R}^{d}$$

R

d

, while the set ordering of representative endowments corresponds to uniform Gini dominance. An application is given to the welfare of 28 European countries. Properties of P-uniform Gini dominance are derived, including relations to other orderings of d-variate distributions such as convex and dependence orderings. The multi-dimensioned representative endowment can be efficiently calculated from data. In a sampling context, it consistently estimates its population version.
Stability of the Classical Catenoid and Darboux–Pöschl–Teller Potentials
Authors: Hoppe Jens , Moosavi Per
Published: October 2022

We revisit the stability (instability) of the outer (inner) catenoid connecting two concentric circular rings and give an explicit new construction of the unstable mode of the inner catenoid by studying the spectrum of an exactly solvable one-dimensional Schrödinger operator with an asymmetric Darboux–Pöschl–Teller potential.
Modeling indices using partial least squares: How to determine the optimum weights?
Authors: DİRSEHAN Taşkın , HENSELER Jörg
Published: October 2022

Indices are often used to model theoretical concepts in economics and finance. Beyond the econometric models used to test the relationships between these variables, partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) allows the study of complex models, but it is an estimator that is still in its infancy in economics and finance research. Thus, the use of PLS-PM for composite analysis needs to be explored further. As one such attempt, this paper is focused on the determination of the indices’ optimum weights. For this purpose, the effects of the market potential index (MPI) on foreign direct investment (FDI) and gross domestic product (GDP) were analysed by implementing different weighting schemes. The assessment of the model shows that PLS Mode B leads to better model fit.
Scientific production of peruvian schools of Architecture: a bibliometric study
Authors: Ortiz-Mas Hamer , Diaz-Heredia Erminson , Yarasca-Aybar Cristian
Published: October 2022

Scientific production is fundamental in architecture schools for developing professionals with research capabilities involved in generating knowledge for society. The objective of this research was to analyze the scientific production of Peruvian architecture schools in the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases until 2020. A bibliometric study was conducted considering the 37 schools of architecture recognized by SUNEDU. As a result, 131 documents were found (79 in Scopus, 30 in WoS, and 22 in both databases). The first publication was in 2005, and in the last two years (2019–2020), more than half (78) of the historical total of documents have been produced. A total of 190 authors were registered; 120 are of Peruvian affiliation, and 70 have an international affiliation. Articles were the most published type of document (56.4% in Scopus and 86.5% in WoS) and were published in more than 49 international journals. About half of the total publications were in English. This research shows that only 18 architecture schools have published at least one paper in Scopus or WoS. It is concluded that scientific production in Peruvian architecture schools is low, recent, and heterogeneous according to the university’s type of administration (public or private) and location. It is necessary to implement strategies to promote scientific production from the undergraduate level and consider the research lines of the architecture schools in Peru.
A Cutting-Plane Method for Sublabel-Accurate Relaxation of Problems with Product Label Spaces
Authors: Ye Zhenzhang , Haefner Bjoern , Quéau Yvain , Möllenhoff Thomas , Cremers Daniel
Published: October 2022

Many problems in imaging and low-level vision can be formulated as nonconvex variational problems. A promising class of approaches to tackle such problems are convex relaxation methods, which consider a lifting of the energy functional to a higher-dimensional space. However, they come with increased memory requirements due to the lifting. The present paper is an extended version of the earlier conference paper by Ye et al. (in: DAGM German conference on pattern recognition (GCPR), 2021) which combined two recent approaches to make lifting more scalable: product-space relaxation and sublabel-accurate discretization. Furthermore, it is shown that a simple cutting-plane method can be used to solve the resulting semi-infinite optimization problem. This journal version extends the previous conference work with additional experiments, a more detailed outline of the complete algorithm and a user-friendly introduction to functional lifting methods.
Low vertebral CT Hounsfield units: a risk factor for new osteoporotic vertebral fractures after the treatment of percutaneous kyphoplasty
Authors: Ye Kaifeng , Zou Da , Zhou Fang , Li Weishi , Tian Yun
Published: October 2022

Purposes

To identify the characteristics of the vertebral HU in the elderly patient with new osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) after treatment of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP), which may help us to preliminarily evaluate the risk of a new OVCF after the treatment of PKP.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the patients who received PKP treatments in our hospital to find out the patients suffered new OVCFs after the treatment of PKP and set an age-, sex-, first fracture vertebrae-, surgical segment-, and comorbidity-matched control group without new fractures. We measured the axial and sagittal L1-HU values to compare their differences.

Results

There were 32 patients who suffered new OVCFs and received another PKP surgery in our department. In the study group, the average L1 sagittal and axial HU values were 46.17 ± 21.31 HU and 47.77 ± 22.38 HU, and they had no statistical difference (P > 0.05). For the control group, the average L1 sagittal and axial HU values were 75.69 ± 29.72 HU and 80.23 ± 30.26 HU, and their difference was not significant (P > 0.05). No matter from the axial or sagittal evaluation, the L1 HU value in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.001). The AUC of using the L1 axial HU value to differentiate patients with new fractures from controls was 0.85 while the sagittal one was 0.82. In axial (and sagittal) evaluation, the cutoff value (adjusted to the multiple of five) had high specificity of 90% or high sensitivity of 90% to identify patients with new fractures of 45 HU and 75 HU (50 HU and 75 HU), respectively.

Conclusions

The lower the vertebral HU value is, the more likely the patients suffer new OVCFs after PKP treatment.
The unmet supportive care needs of people affected by cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review
Authors: Legge H. , Toohey K. , Kavanagh P. S. , Paterson C.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To critically synthesise evidence regarding the supportive care needs of those living with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

An integrative systematic review followed a pre-registered protocol, reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Guidelines. We searched three databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, and APA PsycINFO) using keywords and included all qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies irrespective of research design published between December 2019 and February 2022. All articles were double screened according to a pre-determined eligibility criterion with reference lists of the final included studies checked for further studies. The review process was managed using Covidence systematic review software. Data from the studies were extracted, methodological quality appraisal conducted, and a narrative synthesis conducted.

Results

Eighteen publications were included. The findings identified that individuals affected by cancer reported a range of physical, psychological, social, and health system unmet needs during the global pandemic. Unique to the pandemic itself, there was fear of the unknown of the longer-term impact that the pandemic would have on treatment outcomes, cancer care follow-up, and clinical service delays.

Conclusion

Many individuals living with cancer experienced unmet needs and distress throughout the different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, irrespective of cancer type, stage, and demographic factors.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

We recommend clinicians use these findings to identify the individual person-centred needs to optimise recovery as we transition to the post-pandemic cancer care.
Triptolide-mediated downregulation of FLIPS in hepatoma cells occurs at the post-transcriptional level independently of proteasome-mediated pathways
Authors: Liu Weixia , Yang Ying , Wang Jing , Wu Shanshan , Chen Zhi
Published: October 2022

Cellular c-FLIP prevents apoptosis mediated by death receptor through inhibiting activation of caspase-8. Therefore, when c-FLIP is downregulated or eliminated, caspase-8 activation is promoted, and death receptor ligand-induced apoptosis is activated. It was reported that triptolide (TPL) sensitized tumor cells to TNF-α-induced apoptosis by blocking TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB and transcription of c-IAP1 and c-IAP2. However, the effect of TPL on basal c-FLIP expression was not understood. In this study, we found that the combination of TNF-α and TPL accelerated apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and TNF-α-induced elevated as well as basal level of FLIPS protein were downregulated by TPL. Additionally, we demonstrated that the basal level of FLIPS in Huh7 cells was continuously downregulated following the incubation of TPL and downregulated more when dosage of TPL for treatment was increased. Subsequently, we showed that TPL reduced FLIPS level in a transcription- and degradation-independent mechanism. Our findings suggest that TPL induces loss of FLIPS at the post-transcriptional level independently of proteasome-mediated pathway, an additional mechanism of TPL sensitizing cancer cells to TNF-α-induced apoptosis.
Evaluation of MMR live attenuated vaccine oncolytic potential using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in a murine model
Authors: Hassan Sara T. , Mohamed Aly F. , AbdelAllah Nourhan H. , Zedan Hamdallah
Published: October 2022

MMR vaccine is a common vaccine that contains oncolytic viruses (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) and could be used as a potential anti-cancer treatment. In this study, we assessed the anti-tumor activity of the MMR vaccine against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) solid tumor induced in mice. The in vitro assay showed that vaccine IC50 in EAC was approximately 200 CCID50. The vaccine was intratumorally administrated twice weekly in EAC-bearing mice. The antitumor response of the vaccine was measured by tumor growth, survival rate, histopathologic examination, flow cytometry analysis, and body biochemical parameters. The MMR vaccine demonstrated a substantial reduction of tumor growth and prolongation of life span as well. The proliferation marker was significantly lower in the vaccine-treated group. Moreover, the apoptosis key parameter Casp-3 was also higher in the vaccine-treated group. The vaccine somewhat restored the deterioration of the biochemical parameters (LDH, GOT, GPT, MDA, NO, and PON-1) in the tumor-bearing mice. Finally, this study indicated the potential antitumor effect of MMR vaccine via anti‑proliferative, apoptotic activities, and modulating the antioxidant parameters. This study opens a new field of inquiry for future research on the vaccine’s anti-cancer properties.
Can Sex Differences in Old Age Disabilities be Attributed to Socioeconomic Conditions? Evidence from a Mapping Review of the Literature
Authors: Augustsson Erika , Rehnberg Johan , Simmons Cassandra , Rodrigues Ricardo , Kadi Selma , Ilinca Stefania , Phillips Susan , Fors Stefan
Published: October 2022

Old age disabilities are more common among women than men, and adverse socioeconomic conditions are associated with a higher prevalence of disabilities among older adults. The goal of this study was to complete a mapping review of the available evidence assessing the extent to which the observed sex differences in older adults’ disabilities can be attributed to sex differences in socioeconomic status. We searched three databases for articles published between 2009 and 2019, and after screening and looking at eligibility criteria, 6 articles were included in the review. For those studies that did not directly analyse the contribution of socioeconomic conditions, we used the ‘difference method’ to estimate the proportion of the sex gap in disabilities among older adults that could be attributed to socioeconomic conditions. Our review demonstrated that women generally have a higher prevalence of disabilities than men. In several studies, these differences could be partly attributed to sex differences in the distribution of socioeconomic conditions. We also find great elasticity in the magnitude of both the sex gap in disabilities and in the proportion that could be attributed to differences in socioeconomic conditions.
State of the Fiscal Contract in Lagos’ Informal Settlements
Authors: Rosenzweig Leah R. , Wilson Nicole E.
Published: October 2022

Governments often have contentious relationships with residents of urban informal settlements. Motivated by the desire for rents and dreams of becoming the next luxury destination, city governments worldwide have forcefully evicted and demolished informal communities in this pursuit. In such instances it would seem that the state has broken the social contract with its most vulnerable citizens. How do citizens respond? We might expect them to reciprocate in kind, by withholding taxes owed to the government. Using a survey of citizens living in informal settlements across Lagos State in Nigeria, we explore what predicts citizens’ willingness to comply with government taxation. In this unlikely context for voluntary compliance, we observe that a third of respondents pay taxes and a majority are willing to pay absent enforcement. We find minimal support for standard theories of tax payment — trust in or reciprocity toward the government, or identification with the nation. Instead, we find that willingness to pay taxes is correlated with group membership, believing that community members respect taxpayers, and donating to the community. Our data suggest that local institutions and social relations are associated with citizens’ willingness to comply with tax policy.
Birth-related PTSD symptoms and related factors following preterm childbirth in Turkey
Authors: Gökçe İsbir Gözde , İnci Figen , Kömürcü Akik Burcu , Abreu Wilson , Thomson Gill
Published: October 2022

Objective: To examine factors associated with birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among women who had preterm birth in their last pregnancy in Turkey.Methods: 304 women were asked to report sociodemographic factors, perinatal factors, birth-related factors, preterm birth/premature infant characteristics, and social support factors and PTSD symptoms. Data were collected using online surveys between November 2020 and February 2021. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was used. Results: The prevalence of birth-related PTSD symptoms following preterm birth was 71.1%. Older age, the woman being positively affected by her own mother’s birth experience, not having traumatic experience in pregnancy and in the postnatal period, lower stress level after traumatic events experienced during birth, not feeling that their life/physical integrity was at risk during birth, having amniotomy, feeling psychologically well after childbirth, not being negatively affected by witnessing other parents’ happy moments with their babies in friend/family groups, the absence of infant illness and mother’s reporting higher positive interactions with healthcare team were associated with decreased likelihood of birth-related PTSD. Except for age and traumatic event in the postnatal period, all the variables explained 43% of the variance with a small effect size (f2 = 0.04). Stress level after the traumatic events experienced during labor was the strongest predictor of birth-related PTSD symptoms (β = 0.33). Conclusion: Wellbeing of mother and baby, facilitating interventions at labor, and positive communication with the healthcare team was associated with lower birth-related PTSD symptoms. The study findings highlighted on birth-related PTSD symptoms in mothers of preterm infants in Turkey.
Using single-beam bathymetric data technique to estimate dredging: a case study in Lake Manzala (Egypt)
Authors: Abd Ellah Radwan G.
Published: October 2022

Marine dredging is an excavation activity carried out worldwide. Dredging is a critical component of most major infrastructure developments of the lakes. This research work was conducted, using two epoch data (year 2016 and year 2022), to investigate changes in the morphometry of Lake Manzala. Data acquisition was done using depth sounding with an echo sounder and GPS, and further processing was done using ArcGIS 10.7.1 software. Results obtained for dredging activities in Lake Manzala were as follows: a slight change in its surface area, the most aquatic macrophytes were removed, the inside fish farms have been completely removed, the appearance of mud islands, and a high amount of removed sediment. The total removed area is estimated at 524.94 million m3 from Lake Manzala. With a continuous dredging process, the results of the manuscript serve as good reference material for decision and policy formulation relating.
Effect of temperature on bio-hythane production and bioremediation of recalcitrant dye by means of two anaerobic processes
Authors: Gadow Samir I. , Estrada Adriana Ledezma , Niu Qigui , Li Yu-You
Published: October 2022

A series of batch experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of temperature on the improvement of bio-hythane production, thermodynamic characteristics, and decolorization efficiency of anaerobic degradation of C.I. acid red 88 containing wastewater. The maximum accumulated bioH2 gas reached 0.43 l/g VS under 65 °C and the target dye was hydrolyzed with a 98% color removal. Under mesophilic temperature, bio-hydrogen production was unstable due to growing unfavorable mixed microflora. The methanogenesis bacteria activity showed better performance under temperatures ranging from 45 to 65 °C. The maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) degradation was reached 70.2% under 45 °C, with the highest methane bioconversion that was recorded. Our results confirmed that temperature is a significant factor in improving biogas production and treated wastewater’s quality for reuse. The activation energy for hydrogen and methane is determined using regression (R2, 0.95 and 0.96) to be 102.3 and 97.4 kJ/mol, respectively.

Graphical abstract
Numerical modeling of diesel and polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether spray in a high pressure chamber using the fischer primary breakup model
Authors: Beutler Tim , Prchal Niklas , Günthner Michael
Published: October 2022

In the strive for the climate-neutral and ultra-low emission vehicle powertrains of the future, synthetic fuels produced from renewable sources will play a major role. Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (POMDME or “OME”) produced from renewable hydrogen are a very promising candidate for zero-impact emissions in future CI engines. To optimize the utilisation of these fuels in terms of efficiency, performance and emissions, it is not only necessary to adapt the combustion parameters, but especially to optimize the injection and mixture formation process. In the present work, the spray break-up behavior and mixture formation of OME fuel is investigated numerically in 3D CFD and validated against experimental data from optical measurements in a high pressure/high temperature chamber using Schlieren and Mie scattering. For comparison, the same operating points using conventional diesel fuel were measured in the optical chamber, and the CFD modeling was optimized based on these data. To model the spray-breakup phenomena reliably, the primary break-up model according to Fischer is used, taking into account the nozzle internal flow in a detailed calculation of the disperse droplet phase. As OME has not yet been investigated very intensively with respect to its chemico-physical properties, chemical analyses of the substance properties were carried out to capture the most important parameters correctly in the simulation. With this approach, the results of the optical spray measurement could be reproduced well by the numerical model for the cases studied here, laying the basis for further numerical studies of OME sprays, including real engine operation.