bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MRI‐Based Metastatic Nodal Number and Associated Nomogram Improve Stratification of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients: Potential Indications for Individual Induction Chemotherapy
Authors: Zhao Qin , Dong Annan , Cui Chunyan , Ou Qiaowen , Ruan Guangying , Zhou Jian , Tian Li , Liu Lizhi , Ma Huali , Li Haojiang
Published: September 2022

Background

Metastatic lymph nodal number (LNN) is associated with the survival of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC); however, counting multiple nodes is cumbersome.

Purpose

To explore LNN threshold and evaluate its use in risk stratification and induction chemotherapy (IC) indication.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 792 radiotherapy‐treated NPC patients (N classification: N0 182, N1 438, N2 113, N3 59; training group: 396, validation group: 396; receiving IC: 390).

Field Strength/Sequence

T1‐, T2‐ and postcontrast T1‐weighted fast spin echo MRI at 1.5 or 3.0 T.

Assessment

Nomogram with (model B) or without (model A) LNN was constructed to evaluate the 5‐year overall (OS), distant metastasis‐free (DMFS), and progression‐free survival (PFS) for the group as a whole and N1 stage subgroup. High‐ and low‐risk groups were divided (above vs below LNN‐ or model B‐threshold); their response to IC was evaluated among advanced patients in stage III/IV.

Statistical Tests

Maximally selected rank, univariate and multivariable Cox analysis identified the optimal LNN threshold and other variables. Harrell's concordance index (C‐index) and 2‐fold cross‐validation evaluated discriminative ability of models. Matched‐pair analysis compared survival outcomes of adding IC or not. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Median follow‐up duration was 62.1 months. LNN ≥ 4 was independently associated with decreased 5‐year DMFS, OS, and PFS in entire patients or N1 subgroup. Compared to model A, model B (adding LNN, LNN ≥ 4 vs <4) presented superior C‐indexes in the training (0.755 vs 0.727) and validation groups (0.676 vs 0.642) for discriminating DMFS. High‐risk patients benefited from IC with improved post‐IC response and OS, but low‐risk patients did not (P = 0.785 and 0.690, respectively).

Conclusions

LNN ≥ 4 is an independent risk stratification factor of worse survival in entire or N1 staging NPC patients. LNN ≥ 4 or the associated nomogram has potential to identify high‐risk patients requiring IC.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

4
Electrocardiographic characteristics for the prediction of under‐sensing in implantable loop recorders
Authors: Kida Hirota , Kawasaki Masato , Kikuchi Yoshitaka , Okada Kana , Watanabe Tetsuya , Yamada Takahisa
Published: September 2022

Background

Under‐sensing (US) in implantable loop recorders (ILRs) interferes with the accurate diagnosis of arrhythmia, but there is little information available on the details of US of ILRs. The aim of this study was to clarify the frequency of US in patients with ILRs and to investigate the predictors of US in ILRs prior to implantation.

Methods and Results

We studied 46 consecutive patients implanted ILR. During the mean follow‐up period of 499 ± 363 days, 15 events of US were observed in five patients. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between patients with and without US. In standard 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG), QRS complex amplitude in anterolateral chest leads (V2 to V5) were significantly lower in patients with than without US (V2: 0.88 [0.66, 1.22] mV vs. 1.67 [1.23, 2.29] mV, p = .010 V3: 1.25 [1.00, 1.26] mV vs. 1.90 [1.41, 2.29] mV, p = .013; V4: 1.14 [0.96, 1.38] mV vs. 1.93 [1.65, 2.64] mV, p = .023; V5: 0.57 [0.50, 0.75] mV vs. 1.60 [1.20, 1.98] mV, p = .011, respectively). ROC curve analysis showed that cut‐off values of 1.30 mV of QRS complex amplitude in V2, 1.26 mV of that in V3, and 0.75 mV of that in V5 had moderate accuracy for predicting US (V2: sensitivity 68%, specificity 100%, area under the curve [AUC] 0.86; V3: sensitivity 85%, specificity 80%, AUC 0.85; V5: sensitivity 98%, specificity 80%, AUC 0.85, respectively).

Conclusions

US was observed in 10.9% patients with an ILR. QRS complex amplitude in anterolateral chest leads (V2 to V5) on ECG might be useful for predicting US in patients with ILRs.
Feasibility of perioperative remote monitoring of patient‐generated health data in complex surgical oncology
Authors: Melstrom Laleh G. , Zhou Xiaoke , Kaiser Andreas , Chan Kevin , Lau Clayton , Raoof Mustafa , Warner Susanne G. , Zhumkhawala Ali , Yuh Bertram , Singh Gagandeep , Fong Yuman , Sun Virginia
Published: September 2022

Background

The feasibility of remote perioperative telemonitoring of patient‐generated physiologic health data and patient‐reported outcomes in a high risk complex general and urologic oncology surgery population is evaluated.

Methods

Complex general surgical/urologic oncology patients wore a pedometer, completed ePROs (electronic patient‐reported outcome surveys) and record their vitals (weight, pulse, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, and temperature) via a telehealth app platform. Feasibility (% adherence) was assessed as the primary outcome measure.

Results

Twenty‐one patients with a median age 58 (32−82) years were included. The readmission rate was 33% and the incidence of ≥Grade 3a morbidity was 24%. Adherence to vital sign and ePRO measurements was 95% before surgery, 91% at discharge, and 82%, 68%, and 64% at postdischarge d2, 7, 14, and 30, respectively. There was significant worsening of mobility, self‐care and usual daily activity at postdischarge d2 compared to preoperative baseline (p < 0.05). Median daily preoperative steps taken by patients with <Grade 3a versus ≥Grade 3a postoperative morbidity was 6062 versus 4166 (p < 0.05). Of those interviewed, 87% (13/15) viewed vital sign devices as helpful in recovery.

Conclusions

Telemonitoring is feasible in a general surgical and urologic oncology setting. Future studies will ascertain optimal patient selection, duration, and extent of perioperative monitoring.
Highly Crystalline Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ Phosphor‐in‐Glass Film: A New Composite Color Converter for Next‐Generation High‐Brightness Laser‐Driven Lightings
Authors: Lin Shisheng , Lin Hang , Huang Qingming , Yang Hongyi , Wang Bo , Wang Pengfei , Sui Ping , Xu Ju , Cheng Yao , Wang Yuansheng
Published: September 2022

As a successor to the light‐emitting‐diode (LED), the laser diode (LD) forecasts a brighter future for energy‐saving solid‐state lighting (SSL). Aiming for high‐performance white LD, herein, a brand‐new material form for Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (YAG:Ce) garnet, that is, the integrated composite of YAG:Ce phosphor‐in‐silica glass ceramic/phosphor‐in‐silica ceramic (PiSGC/PiSC) film‐on‐sapphire plate (SP), following an “amorphous → polycrystalline” phase transformation mechanism, is developed. Remarkably, nearly full crystallization from glass in a controllable manner can be achieved. The in situ precipitated SiO2 microcrystals with high thermal conductivity (TC) favor to build efficient local heat dissipation network inside this opto‐functional composite, and therefore, substantially increase luminescence saturation threshold and luminous brightness under blue LD irradiation. Upon material optimization, bright and directional white light is generated with luminous flux (LF) of 1350 lm@10.5 W mm−2, correlated color temperature (CCT) of 7916 K, and color rendering index (CRI) of 69.3, enabling the application in high‐brightness long‐distance illumination scenarios. This smart material design highlights the combined merits of admirable luminescent properties from YAG:Ce@SiO2 ceramic, ultrahigh TC from sapphire single crystal, as well as, low cost, facile preparation, scalable manufacturing inherited from glass.
Machine learning improves the accuracy of graft weight prediction in living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Giglio Mariano Cesare , Zanfardino Mario , Franzese Monica , Zakaria Hazem , Alobthani Salah , Zidan Ahmed , Ayoub Islam Ismail , Shoreem Hany Abdelmeguid , Lee Boram , Han Ho‐Seong , Penna Andrea Della , Nadalin Silvio , Troisi Roberto Ivan , Broering Dieter Clemens
Published: September 2022

Precise graft weight (GW) estimation is essential for planning living donor liver transplantation to select grafts of adequate size for the recipient. This study aimed to investigate whether a machine‐learning model can improve the accuracy of GW estimation. Data from 872 consecutive living donors of a left lateral sector, left lobe, or right lobe to adults or children for living‐related liver transplantation were collected from January 2011 to December 2019. Supervised machine‐learning models were trained (80% of observations) to predict GW using the following information: donor's age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index; graft type (left, right, or left lateral lobe); computed tomography estimated graft volume and total liver volume. Model performance was measured in a random independent set (20% of observations) and in an external validation cohort using the mean absolute error (MAE) and the mean absolute percentage error and compared with methods currently available for GW estimation. The best‐performing machine‐learning model showed an MAE value of 50 ± 62 g in predicting GW, with a mean error of 10.3%. These errors were significantly lower than those observed with alternative methods. In addition, 62% of predictions had errors <10%, whereas errors >15% were observed in only 18.4% of the cases compared with the 34.6% of the predictions obtained with the best alternative method (p < 0.001). The machine‐learning model is made available as a web application (http://graftweight.shinyapps.io/prediction). Machine learning can improve the precision of GW estimation compared with currently available methods by reducing the frequency of significant errors. The coupling of anthropometric variables to the preoperatively estimated graft volume seems necessary to improve the accuracy of GW estimation.
Machine learning approach to AC corrosion assessment under cathodic protection
Authors: Ma Shuaijie , Du Yanxia , Liang Yi , Wang Shasha , Su Yanjing
Published: September 2022

Data mining was introduced and 178 sets of alternating current (AC) corrosion data were collected from published data and our research group. The AC current density (JAC), direct current (DC), current density (JDC), the ratio of AC/DC current density (JAC/JDC), and cathodic protection potential (IR‐free potential, EIR‐free) were defined as the input feature and the priority of feature subset was ranked as (JAC, JDC) > (JDC, JAC/JDC) > (JAC, EIR‐free) >JAC > (JAC/JDC, EIR‐free) > JAC/JDC. Then, based on the different feature subsets, the AC corrosion rate model was established by the random forest algorithm, and the generalization ability of the model was verified on the test data respectively. Finally, the mapping relationship between AC, DC parameters, and corrosion rates was presented and the limiting values of (JAC, JDC) and (JDC, JAC/JDC) were given.
How companies use typeface design to engage consumers in charitable activities
Authors: Chu Xing‐Yu (Marcos) , Tok Dickson , Zhou Xiaoyu , Chen Xi
Published: September 2022

This research examines how the typeface design in a charitable appeal affects consumers' evaluations of the ad and, in turn, their willingness to engage in the advertised charitable activities. We propose that the typeface's simulation of a handwritten note creates a sense of connectedness to the information sender (e.g., organization, brand), which subsequently increases consumers' willingness to engage in the advertised charitable activities. Six experiments, including laboratory and field studies, provide support for the typeface effect and further support the underlying process by (1) directly examining connectedness, and (2) manipulating brand attachment, showing that a handwritten typeface creates a more positive effect when the viewer is not strongly connected to the brand (vs. having a strong brand attachment). Our findings provide useful guidelines for brand managers, social marketers and charity fundraisers regarding how and when to use a handwritten typeface design.
Machine Learning to Predict Homolytic Dissociation Energies of C−H Bonds: Calibration of DFT‐based Models with Experimental Data
Authors: Li Wanli , Luan Yue , Zhang Qingyou , Aires‐de‐Sousa Joao
Published: September 2022

Random Forest (RF) QSPR models were developed with a data set of homolytic bond dissociation energies (BDE) previously calculated by B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p)//DFTB for 2263 sp3C−H covalent bonds. The best set of attributes consisted in 114 descriptors of the carbon atom (counts of atom types in 5 spheres around the kernel atom and ring descriptors). The optimized model predicted the DFT‐calculated BDE of an independent test set of 224 bonds with MAE=2.86 kcal/mol. A new data set of 409 bonds from the iBonD database (http://ibond.nankai.edu.cn) was predicted by the RF with a modest MAE (5.36 kcal/mol) but a relatively high R2 (0.75) against experimental energies. A prediction scheme was explored that corrects the RF prediction with the average deviation observed for the k nearest neighbours (KNN) in an additional memory of experimental data. The corrected predictions achieved MAE=2.22 kcal/mol for an independent test set of 145 bonds and the corresponding experimental bond energies.
Formation of diffraction gratings in optically patternable hydrogel films
Authors: Sabel‐Grau Tina , Zhang Zhenfang , Rahman Rahima , Lensen Marga C.
Published: September 2022

Local light‐induced material response forms the basis for volume holographic patterning of light‐responsive materials. This enables applications as multifunctional biomedical materials capable of integrating optical functions, such as for advanced intraocular lens (IOL) implants. Therefore, hydrogel films based on 8‐arm PEG and azobenzene‐functionalized acrylates are prepared. A local change in optical properties is induced by UV exposure: a decrease in refractive index is detected by ellipsometric examination. One‐dimensional diffractive surface gratings, generated using a photomask, show optical functionality and are visualized in the atomic force microscope. The results show that a local change in optical properties can be induced in functionalized hydrogel films by photochemical crosslinking, making them suitable for volume holographic patterning.
pH‐responsive amine‐based fluorescent polymers with on–off switchable and concentration‐dependent fluorescence behaviors
Authors: Jiang Qimin , Zhao Liang , Shi Lingyue , Guan Shuyi , Huang Wenyan , Xue Xiaoqiang , Yang Hongjun , Jiang Li , Jiang Bibiao
Published: September 2022

In this paper, pH‐responsive fluorescent poly(amino ether ester)s with reversible “on–off” switching fluorescence and concentration‐dependent emission behavior were reported. A remarkable difference fluorescence behavior was observed at diverse polymer concentrations with pH values. Moreover, at all investigated concentrations, poly(amino ether ester)s can respond to acid pH and exhibit extreme acid‐induced fluorescence quenching phenomenon. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy analyses confirmed that the fluorescence quenching phenomenon is due to the aggregation, which was caused by the protonation of tertiary amine groups in poly(amino ether ester)s under extreme acidic conditions. Interestingly, the quenched fluorescence can be completely recovered by adding an alkaline solution, thereby enabling an “on–off” switch function by adjusting the pH value. Most importantly, the pH‐responsive fluorescent poly(amino ether ester)s exhibit good biocompatibility and cellular imaging, and its cellular imaging function is highly sensitive to acid pH. Thus, this study opens a new idea for the preparation of amine‐based fluorescent polymers as stimuli‐responsive fluorescent probe for cellular imaging, drug delivery, and disease diagnostics.
Investigation of X2GaAgCl6 (X = K, Cs) for Optoelectronic Devices: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Nasarullah  , Younas Aasma , Elqahtani Zainab Mufarreh , Aldaghfag Shatha A. , Yaseen Muhammad , Zahid Muhammad , Somaily Hamoud H.
Published: September 2022

The electronic, elastic, structural, and optical properties of X2GaAgCl6 (X = K, Cs) are investigated by using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP‐LAPW) method based on density functional theory (DFT). Generalized‐gradient approximation (GGA) is used along modified Becke–Johnson (mBJ) exchange potential. K2GaAgCl6 and Cs2GaAgCl6 reveal the direct bandgap (E
g) of 2.57 and 2.63 eV, respectively, at Γ symmetry points. The negative values of formation enthalpy (−1.694 for K2GaAgCl6 and −1.798 for Cs2GaAgCl6) and value of tolerance factor (τ) close to unity (0.82 for K2GaAgCl6 and 0.89 for Cs2GaAgCl6) confirm the stable nature of X2GaAgCl6 (X = Cs, K) compounds in cubic phase. Optical properties such as absorption coefficient α(ω), optical conductivity σ(ω), reflectivity R(ω), extinction coefficient k(ω), refractive index n(ω), and dielectric constants (ε
1 and ε
2) are calculated. The ε
2(ω) spectrum of Cs2GaAgCl6 and K2GaAgCl6 shows highest absorption peaks at 4.8 and 4.9 eV, respectively. The highest absorption is observed from Cs2GaAgCl6 at 7.44 eV and from K2GaAgCl6 at 7.46 eV energies. It is also noted that A2GaAgCl6 (A = K, Cs) compounds are elastically stable, anisotropic, and ductile. Investigation of elastic, structural, and optical properties shows that the compounds M2GaAgCl6 (M = Cs, K) can be potential candidates for optoelectronic applications.
Analysis of Hole Transport Layer and Electron Transport Layer Materials in the Efficiency Improvement of Sb2(Se1−xSx)3 Solar Cell
Authors: Nicolás-Marín Miriam M. , Vigil-Galán Osvaldo , Ayala-Mato Fernando , Courel Maykel
Published: September 2022

Sb2(Se1−x
S
x
)3 compounds have been regarded as an excellent absorber in thin film solar cells processing. At present, the best efficiency reported in these chalcogenides of antimony corresponds to FTO/CdS/Sb2(Se1−x
S
x
)3/Spiro‐OMeTAD/Au structure with 10.5%. Herein, a comparative study on the Sb2(Se1−x
S
x
)3 solar cell performance with different electron transport layers (ETLs) and hole transport layers (HTLs) is carried out. The main photovoltaic parameters such as short‐circuit current density, open‐circuit voltage, fill factor, power conversion efficiency, and external quantum efficiency of devices with n–i–p structures are analyzed from a theoretical point of view. The impact of different ETL, HTL, and absorber thicknesses as well as the influence of Sb2(Se1−x
S
x
)3 bulk and interface defects on the final efficiency of the device is investigated. After the optimization of the above physical parameters, it is demonstrated that with the FTO/ETL/Sb2(Se1−x
S
x
)3/HTL/Au proposed structure, efficiency can be improved from 10% to 16%. In particular, it is found that Cd0.6Zn0.4S and ZnO are better candidates for ETL, while the use of NiO and Cu2O as HTL results in increased efficiencies in comparison to the traditional Spiro‐OMeTAD.
Hexagonal Al2O3/TiO2/TiN Nanotubes‐Based Sensor for CO2 Detection
Authors: Elsayed Asmaa M. , Shaban Mohamed , Alruqi Mansoor , Rabia Mohamed
Published: September 2022

A hexagonal Al2O3/TiO2/TiN nanotube sensor is prepared using an Al2O3 template. This template is prepared through the Ni imprinting and two‐step anodization technique. After the pore widening process, the pore diameter is 300 nm. The deposition of TiO2 and TiN is conducted through atomic layer deposition and DC sputtering techniques, respectively. The application of Al2O3/TiO2/TiN nanotube sensor for the detection of CO2 gas is carried out under different flow rates of this gas from 50 to 150 SCCM. This application is carried out using electrochemical measurements (Keithley device) to determine the current–voltage and resistance time relations. From the measurements, the sensitivity of the sensor increases from 3.2% to 16.4% with increasing the concentration of the CO2 gas from 50 to 150 SCCM, respectively. Moreover, the prepared sensor has a great response time and recovery time of 3 and 35 s, respectively. This behavior qualifies the sensor for industrial applications. Moreover, the limit of detection is very small (6 SCCM). A simple mechanism is mentioned to explain the physical attraction of CO2 over the sensor surface, in which the greatly prepared tubes play the main role in enhancing the sensitivity and response percent of the sensor to CO2 gas.
Sound anomalies of Cornell Swift recorders affect ecoacoustic studies, and a workaround solution
Authors: Marcot Bruce G.
Published: September 2022

The Swift Terrestrial Passive Acoustic Recording Unit from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, running firmware v. STM32 0.18.6.3, produced an initial 4‐sec sound anomaly in each sound (wave file) recording, created by the power‐saving features of the unit as it switches from standby to record mode. The sound anomaly had a statistically significant impact on several soundscape indices calculated from the recordings. Here, as a case study of identifying and solving this problem, I dissected the nature of the anomaly and analyzed the variable effects it has on calculated ecoacoustic soundscape indices. I used a sample of 150, 10‐min sound files, recorded during my ecoacoustics study in central boreal Alaska during 2019 (June‐August) and 2020 (April‐September), stratified by several landscape conditions and by types of sounds representing anthrophony, biophony, and geophony conditions. The sound anomaly statistically significantly biased the calculations of 7 of 13 ecoacoustic indices analyzed from all of these landscape and soundscape conditions. There is no simple correction factor that can be applied to the calculated index values to account for the effects of the anomaly. I suggest several workarounds, notably to automate a procedure to delete a specified segment of each sound file to eliminate the anomaly prior to soundscape analysis, and in general to watch and correct for such anomalies when using Autonomous Recording Units recordings in ecoacoustic analyses.
Snakes on the plains: The impacts of habitat structure on snake communities in Illinois grasslands
Authors: Glass Alex , Eichholz Michael W.
Published: September 2022

Snakes are an integral component of grassland ecosystems, though their occurrence in high densities is often discouraged because of their role as nest predators of declining grassland birds. The effects of habitat structure on snake communities in grasslands remains poorly understood, hindering management efforts. We used 3 years of data from a series of restored grasslands in southern Illinois to examine how habitat structure across 3 spatial scales (local, patch, landscape) affected snake relative abundance, diversity, and species‐specific occupancy in grasslands. We found that snake community metrics were strongly and positively related to an increase in woody plant cover at the local (within‐patch) scale. Snake relative abundance was also positively related to an increase in grass cover and a decrease in forb cover, though our occupancy results suggest that this was primarily driven by an increase in black kingsnakes (Lampropeltis nigra). At the patch scale, relative abundance and diversity of snakes were both positively related to the proportion of patch edge composed of roads. Habitat structure at the landscape scale had the smallest impact on snakes in this study, though the proportion of trees in the landscape was positively related to snake diversity. We suggest that managers and conservationists interested in manipulating snake abundance in grasslands focus on within‐patch vegetation structure and composition. Decreasing woody cover in grasslands, or increasing the ratio of forbs to grasses, may reduce the presence of snakes, while maintaining a woody component could encourage both snake abundance and diversity.
Microwave Cavity Searches
Authors: Simanovskaia Maria , Carosi Gianpaolo , Bibber Karl van
Published: September 2022

The axion “haloscope” technique is a well-established method to search for dark matter axions with a resonant microwave cavity and has excluded axion models over several frequency ranges with unparalleled sensitivity. This chapter describes the basics of microwave cavity searches, including overviews of the main experimental components and details on the figure of merit for these searches.
Spinning hexagons
Authors: Bercini Carlos , Gonçalves Vasco , Homrich Alexandre , Vieira Pedro
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We reduce the computation of three point function of three spinning operators with arbitrary polarizations in 𝒩 = 4 SYM to a statistical mechanics problem via the hexagon formalism. The central building block of these correlation functions is the hexagon partition function. We explore its analytic structure and use it to generate perturbative data for spinning three point functions. For certain polarizations and any coupling, we express the full asymptotic three point function in determinant form. With the integrability approach established we open the ground to study the large spin limit where dualities with null Wilson loops and integrable pentagons must appear.
An overview of common peroneal nerve dysfunction and systematic assessment of its relation to falls
Authors: Capodici Angelo , Hagert Elisabet , Darrach Halley , Curtin Catherine
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Compression of the peroneal nerve is recognized as a common cause of falls. The superficial course of the peroneal nerve exposes it to trauma and pressure from common activities such as crossing of legs. The nerve can be exposed also to distress due to metabolic problems such as diabetes. The purpose of our manuscript is to review common peroneal nerve dysfunction symptoms and treatment as well as provide a systematic assessment of its relation to falls.

Methods

We pooled the existing literature from PubMed and included studies (n = 342) assessing peroneal nerve damage that is related in any way to falls. We excluded any studies reporting non-original data, case reports and non-English studies.

Results

The final systematic assessment included 4 articles. Each population studied had a non-negligible incidence of peroneal neuropathy. Peroneal pathology was found to be consistently associated with falls.

Conclusion

The peroneal nerve is an important nerve whose dysfunction can result in falls. This article reviews the anatomy and care of the peroneal nerve. The literature review highlights the strong association of this nerve’s pathology with falls.
Laser ablation induced impulse study for removal of space debris mission using small satellite
Authors: Tsuno Katsuhiko , Wada Satoshi , Ogawa Takayo , Saito Norihito , Fukushima Tadanori , Ebisuzaki Toshikazu , Nakamura Yusuke , Sasoh Akihiro
Published: September 2022

In recent years, many plans have arisen for building constellations in low Earth orbit, some of which have already provided commercial services. The number of satellites that form these constellations will exceed $$10^4$$

10
4

, and a number of these could become space debris due to accidental failure, leading to serious problems for human activities in space. Laser ablation-induced propulsion achieved by remote irradiation from the service spacecraft has been proposed as one effective method to remove such space debris and it involves effectively generating a propulsion impulse from a laser. Because most of the high-power lasers currently utilized in space applications are Nd:YAG lasers, in this study, we evaluate the characteristics of second harmonic generation (SHG), which can be generated using nonlinear crystals. The momentum coupling coefficient may be dependent on the irradiated laser wave length which has a significant difference in the ablation process such as plasma generation and heating. These effects have been investigated using an impulse measurement instrumental setup with a KD*P nonlinear crystal. As an efficient impulse generation method, the irradiation of the fundamental and SHG beams of the Nd:YAG laser at the same point was found to be more effective than the fundamental beam with the same total energy. SHG does not require additional power-consuming equipment such as additional exciters or amplifiers, but requite temperature-controlled nonlinear crystals, and impulses can be increased with minimal additional power. It turned out to be advantageous for space applications, which will require minimum power operation
. Additionally, we found an additional nonlinear laser-induced impulses through the interaction of the beams.
Increased lesion depth, higher body mass index and older age are risk factors for osteoarthritis during long-term follow-up in patients with osteochondritis dissecans of the knee
Authors: Ekman Elina , Nevalainen Sepe , Karjalainen Elina , Kohonen Ia , Vuohelainen Jimi , Rissanen Tiia , Itälä Ari
Published: September 2022

Introduction

To report on the long-term prognosis of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) patients regarding radiological and patient-reported outcomes and to analyze possible risk factors.

Materials and methods

All patients diagnosed with knee OCD between 2004 and 2014 with radiographic Kellgren–Lawrence (K–L) grades 0–2 at the time of diagnoses, ability to understand the language of the interview, and willingness to participate in the study were retrospectively reviewed. Current knee radiographs and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire were prospectively collected between May 2020 and March 2021. The extent of osteoarthritis (OA) and KOOS questionnaire results were evaluated.

Results

90 patients (103 knees) with a mean age of 21 years (range 6–60) were included. The mean follow-up time was 12 years (range 7–20). 24 knees (23%) were treated conservatively, and 79 knees (77%) operatively. At the time of diagnoses, 90% of the patients had K–L grades of 0–1; during the follow-up period, 45% of the patients showed radiological progression of OA. Patient body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.004; 95% CI 0.25–0.29), age (p = 0.003; 95% CI 0.18–0.30), operative treatment (p = 0.0075; 95% CI 0.41–0.65) and lesion depth (p = 0.0007) were statistically significantly connected to K–L grade change. Patients with no progression in joint space narrowing had statistically significantly better overall KOOS scores (p = 0.03; 95% CI 0.77–0.88) than patients whose K–L grades worsened.

Conclusions

During the long-term follow-up of 12 years, patients with knee OCD had good clinical results. Lac of radiological progression of cartilage degeneration was noted in 55% of the patients, regardless of treatment method. Lesion depth, higher BMI and older age were associated with the progression of OA. The progression of OA was related to a worsening of functional scores.

Level of evidence

IV.
Homocysteine levels, genetic background, and cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Periñán María Teresa , Macías-García Daniel , Jesús Silvia , Martín-Rodríguez Juan Francisco , Muñoz-Delgado Laura , Jimenez-Jaraba Maria Valle , Buiza-Rueda Dolores , Bonilla-Toribio Marta , Adarmes-Gómez Astrid Daniela , Gómez-Garre Pilar , Mir Pablo
Published: September 2022

Background

Hyperhomocysteinemia is considered an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment.

Objective

To study the correlation between homocysteine levels and cognitive impairment in patients with PD.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study that included 246 patients with PD, of whom 32 were cognitively impaired. The levels of homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 were measured in peripheral blood. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to determine differences in homocysteine levels between PD patients with and without cognitive impairment. A meta-analysis was performed to clarify the role of Hcy levels in PD with cognitive decline. Five polymorphisms in genes involved in Hcy metabolism, including MTHFR rs1801133 and rs1801131, COMT rs4680, MTRR rs1801394, and TCN2 rs1801198, were genotyped.

Results

Our case–control study showed that homocysteine levels were associated with cognitive impairment in PD after adjusting for possible confounding factors such as levodopa equivalent daily dose. The results of our meta-analysis further supported the positive association between homocysteine levels and cognition in PD. We found that the MTHFR rs1801133 TT genotype led to higher homocysteine levels in PD patients, whereas the MTHFR rs1801131 CC genotype resulted in higher folate levels. However, the polymorphisms studied were not associated with cognitive impairment in PD.

Conclusions

Increased homocysteine levels were a risk factor for cognitive decline in PD. However, no association was found between polymorphisms in genes involved in homocysteine metabolism and cognitive impairment in PD. Large-scale studies of ethnically diverse populations are required to definitively assess the relationship between MTHFR and cognitive impairment in PD.
Intraventricular hemorrhage prediction in premature neonates in the era of hemodynamics monitoring: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Farag Marwa Mohamed , Gouda Mohamed Hazem , Almohsen Ali Mohamed Abd , Khalifa Mohammed Attia
Published: September 2022

Unstable hemodynamics and prematurity are the main players in intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) development. Our objective was to study 8 the use of superior vena cava flow (SVCF), left ventricular output (LVO), and right ventricular output (RVO), and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) Doppler measures in prediction of IVH in the first week of life in preterm infant ≤ 32 weeks and birth weight ≤ 1500 g. This prospective cohort study was conducted in 55NICU of Alexandria University maternity hospital. Of 147 enrolled patients, 132 infants born ≤ 32 weeks GA and birth weight ≤ 1500 g were eligible for- the study. One hundred twenty-seven infants completed the study. Infants were scanned for ACA-RI using transfontanellar ultrasound, and SVCF, LVO, and RVO using functional echocardiography in the first 24 h after birth. Patients had another two scans on DOL3 and 7 to detect IVH development. Low SVCF and high ACA-RI significantly increased the risk of IVH using logistic regression models with OR, 3.16; 95%CI, 1.19–8.39; P = 0.02 and OR, 1.64; 95%Cl, 1.10–2.44; P = 0.02, respectively. Low SVCF and high ACA-RI significantly increased risk of catastrophic IVH P = 0.025 and 0.023, respectively. Combined use of low SVCF < 55 ml/kg/min and ACA-RI > 0.75 is predictor of IVH with sensitivity 40.8% and 82.1% specificity.

Conclusions: There are strong relations between both low SVCF and high ACA-RI, and IVH development in premature neonates ≤ 32 weeks and birth weight ≤ 1500 g, with more significance towards catastrophic IVH. Admission RSS and LVO are the strongest factors affecting SVCF. Maternal anemia, patent ductus arteriosus size (mm/kg), and capillary refill time were significantly associated with high ACA-RI. These findings help in more understanding of pathophysiological factors affecting central perfusion that might affect the longer term neurodeveopmental outcome.

Trial registration: This work was registered in clinical trial.gv no NCT05050032.

What is Known:•Whether SVCF and RI-ACA can predict IVH in preterm neonates is still debatable.

What is New:•Low SVC flow and high ACA-RI significantly increased risk of IVH, confirming the role of hypoperfusion-reperfusion cycle in IVH development. The most striking result that combined metrics using the cut-off value of < 41 ml/kg/min for SVCF and > 0.85 for ACA-RI “in the first day of life” can correctly reject the presence of IVH in 98% of patients “during the first week of life.”
An Improved Upper Bound on the Queue Number of Planar Graphs
Authors: Bekos Michael , Gronemann Martin , Raftopoulou Chrysanthi N.
Published: September 2022

Ak-queue layout is a special type of a linear layout, in which the linear order avoids$$(k+1)$$(k+1)-rainbows, that is,$$k+1$$k+1independent edges that pairwise form a nested pair. The optimization goal is to determine thequeue numberof a graph, which is defined as the minimum value ofkfor which ak-queue layout is feasible. Recently, Dujmović et al. [J. ACM, 67(4), 22:1–38, 2020] showed that the queue number of planar graphs is at most 49, thus settling in the positive a long-standing conjecture by Heath, Leighton and Rosenberg. To achieve this breakthrough result, their approach involves three different techniques: (1) an algorithm to obtain 2-queue layouts of outerplanar graphs, (2) an algorithm to obtain 5-queue layouts of planar 3-trees, and (3) a decomposition of a planar graph into so-called tripods. In this work, we push further each of these techniques to obtain the first non-trivial improvement of the upper bound on the queue number of planar graphs from 49 to$$42 $$42.
Surgomics: personalized prediction of morbidity, mortality and long-term outcome in surgery using machine learning on multimodal data
Authors: Wagner Martin , Brandenburg Johanna M. , Bodenstedt Sebastian , Schulze André , Jenke Alexander C. , Stern Antonia , Daum Marie T. J. , Mündermann Lars , Kolbinger Fiona R. , Bhasker Nithya , Schneider Gerd , Krause-Jüttler Grit , Alwanni Hisham , Fritz-Kebede Fleur , Burgert Oliver , Wilhelm Dirk , Fallert Johannes , Nickel Felix , Maier-Hein Lena , Dugas Martin , Distler Marius , Weitz Jürgen , Müller-Stich Beat-Peter , Speidel Stefanie
Published: September 2022

Background

Personalized medicine requires the integration and analysis of vast amounts of patient data to realize individualized care. With Surgomics, we aim to facilitate personalized therapy recommendations in surgery by integration of intraoperative surgical data and their analysis with machine learning methods to leverage the potential of this data in analogy to Radiomics and Genomics.

Methods

We defined Surgomics as the entirety of surgomic features that are process characteristics of a surgical procedure automatically derived from multimodal intraoperative data to quantify processes in the operating room. In a multidisciplinary team we discussed potential data sources like endoscopic videos, vital sign monitoring, medical devices and instruments and respective surgomic features. Subsequently, an online questionnaire was sent to experts from surgery and (computer) science at multiple centers for rating the features’ clinical relevance and technical feasibility.

Results

In total, 52 surgomic features were identified and assigned to eight feature categories. Based on the expert survey (n = 66 participants) the feature category with the highest clinical relevance as rated by surgeons was “surgical skill and quality of performance” for morbidity and mortality (9.0 ± 1.3 on a numerical rating scale from 1 to 10) as well as for long-term (oncological) outcome (8.2 ± 1.8). The feature category with the highest feasibility to be automatically extracted as rated by (computer) scientists was “Instrument” (8.5 ± 1.7). Among the surgomic features ranked as most relevant in their respective category were “intraoperative adverse events”, “action performed with instruments”, “vital sign monitoring”, and “difficulty of surgery”.

Conclusion

Surgomics is a promising concept for the analysis of intraoperative data. Surgomics may be used together with preoperative features from clinical data and Radiomics to predict postoperative morbidity, mortality and long-term outcome, as well as to provide tailored feedback for surgeons.

Graphical abstract
Cervical rotational osteotomy for correction of axial deformity in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Li Jun , Li Fang-cai , Chen Qi-xin
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Severe cervical axial deformity associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is rare in clinic, and there are little concerns about surgical treatment of axial deformity associated with AS. The case study aims to show the surgical technique to perform cervical rotational osteotomy.

Methods

We present the case of a young AS patient whose neck was fixed in a left-rotational posture at 18°, requiring his trunk to be turned to the right to look forward visually. This made his gait appear to be limping, inconveniencing him with great difficulty. In order to correct this deformity, we performed a novel cervical rotational osteotomy through a one-stage posterior–anterior–posterior approach. Firstly, we performed laminectomies of C7 and T1, followed by a C7/T1 facetectomy with release of the bilateral C8 nerve roots. Next, we performed C7/T1 discectomy, bony resection of the lateral body and uncovertebral joints. The head of the patient was then rotated manually, so that both his face and torso were simultaneously facing frontward. Finally, rods spanning the screws from C6 to T2 were fixed.

Results

Postoperatively, the patient’s axial malalignment was significantly improved, and he was able to walk normally. Surgical outcomes were well maintained at a 3-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Through this case, we hope to draw the attention to spinal axial deformity and provide a reference point in the surgical treatment of spinal axial deformity.
The application of discrete choice experiments eliciting young peoples’ preferences for healthcare: a systematic literature review
Authors: Williams Galina , Kinchin Irina
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Understanding young people’s preferences for healthcare is critical for reducing the negative effect of undesirable choices. This review aims to synthesise the evidence obtained from discrete choice experiments (DCEs) eliciting young people’s preferences for healthcare interventions and service deliveries, specifically, to (1) examine the methodology, including a selection of attributes and levels, experimental design, estimation procedure and validity; (2) evaluate similarities, differences and rigour of designs to the general population DCEs; and, (3) compare the DCEs’ application to the seven health priority areas defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Methods

A systematic review searching Medline, EconLIT, PsychINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed up until May 2021. Inclusion criteria: a DCE, eliciting young peoples’ preferences (10–24 years of age), on a healthcare-related topic defined by WHO, peer-reviewed, full-text available in English. A bespoke checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies.

Results

Eighteen DCE studies were included in the review, exploring interventions and service in sexual and reproductive health (n = 9; 50%), smoking cessation (n = 4; 22%), mental health (n = 1), nutrition (n = 1), unintentional injuries (n = 1), vaccination against severe but rare diseases (n = 1); and diabetes (n = 1). Compared to the general population, DCEs eliciting young people’s preferences had a high proportion of monetary measures and a smaller number of choices per respondent with the overwhelming number of surveys using fractional factorial design. The majority of studies were of moderate quality (50–75% of the criteria met).

Conclusions

While identified DCEs touched on most health priority areas, the scope was limited. The conduct and reporting of DCEs with young people could be improved by including the state-of-the-art design, estimation procedures and analysis.
Composable partial multiparty session types for open systems
Authors: Stolze Claude , Miculan Marino , Di Gianantonio Pietro
Published: September 2022

Session types are a well-established framework for the specification of interactions between components of a distributed systems. An important issue is how to determine the type for an open system, i.e., obtained by assembling subcomponents, some of which could be missing. To this end, we introduce partial sessions and partial (multiparty) session types. Partial sessions can be composed, and the type of the resulting system is derived from those of its components without knowing any suitable global type nor the types of missing parts. To deal with this incomplete information, partial session types represent the subjective views of the interactions from participants’ perspectives; when sessions are composed, different partial views can be merged if compatible, yielding a unified view of the session. Incompatible types, due to, e.g., miscommunications or deadlocks, are detected at the merging phase. In fact, in this theory the distinction between global and local types vanishes. We apply these types to a process calculus for which we prove subject reduction and progress, so that well-typed systems never violate the prescribed constraints. In particular, we introduce a generalization of the progress property, in order to accommodate the case when a partial session cannot progress not due to a deadlock, but because some participants are still missing. Therefore, partial session types support the development of systems by incremental assembling of components.
Sugar, Acid and Phenols in Fruit of the Sharka-Tolerant Autochthonous Plum Genotype ‘Mrkosljiva’
Authors: Drkenda Pakeza , Music Osman , Oras Amila , Haracic Selma , Haseljic Sanel , Blanke Michael , Hudina Metka
Published: September 2022

The self-rooted plum genotype ‘Mrkosljiva’ was first selected as it was devoid of Sharka leaf symptoms during the 5‑year study (2009–2014), which was subsequently confirmed by negative ELISA test results. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate the biochemical variability of the autochthonous ‘Mrkosljiva’ plum genotype, based on its sugar, acid and phenolic compounds content during 3 years. In 2010 and 2011, the plums tasted sweet with favourable sugar:acid ratios of 55:1 to 65:1. These plum fruits were collected at the full ripeness stage from an extensive orchard located in northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina (45 °N). Analysis by HPLC identified the following polyphenolic compounds—chlorogenic acid, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, neochlorogenic acid, quercetin-3-O-galactoside and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside—in all 3 years that were evaluated (2009–2011), but in different amounts, depending on the environmental conditions of each year. In 2009, the plums were healthier with a threefold greater phenol content than during the other 2 years of growth. In 2009, protocatechuic acid was detected, whereas catechin, procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2 and quercetin-3‑O-rhamnoside were not detected. The combination of high phenol and sugar content in ‘Mrkosljiva’ provides healthy and tasty plums suitable primarily for processing, and to a lesser extent, due to their size, for fresh fruit marketing.
Real-time and long-term monitoring of waves and suspended sediment concentrations over an intertidal algal reef
Authors: Ly Trung Nguyen , Huang Zhi-Cheng
Published: September 2022

Suspended sediment concentration (c) has been considered a critical environmental factor in reef habitats; however, the values and variations of c are not evident in a unique reef mainly created by crustose coralline algal concretions compared to abundant studies in coral reefs. The results of real-time and long-term monitoring of waves and c over the intertidal algal reef are reported because of the construction of an offshore industrial harbor near the reef. The real-time monitoring systems were based on techniques, including optical backscatter sensors (OBSs) for measuring c, pressure sensors for measuring waves, data loggers, and wireless networks for data transmission. The instruments sampled every hour and ran continuously and automatically for years. The OBS measurement was compared and validated with biweekly water sampling. A good correlation between the results of the two methods was observed. Nevertheless, more calibrations of OBSs in different seasons reduced the variance between the two methods over a year-long timescale. The year-long data showed a remarkable seasonal variation in c. The average c was approximately 140 mg/l during the winter season, while it was only approximately 70 mg/l during the summer season. The observed c was higher than that in other coral reef environments; the elevated and highly variable c, ranging from approximately 0 to 500 mg/l, may be one factor that creates the unique algae reef environment. The year-long measurement of waves and c showed that the variation in c was mainly due to the variation in waves in different seasons and was well correlated with the wave-induced bed shear stress. The real-time and long-term data measured by the system will aid in better understanding and providing useful environmental data for accessing future environmental changes and protecting reef habitats.