bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric–ocean coupling drives prevailing and synchronic dispersal patterns of marine species with long pelagic durations
Authors: Ramirez-Romero Eduardo , Amores Angel , Diaz David , Muñoz Anabel , Catalan Ignacio A. , Molinero Juan Carlos , Ospina-Alvarez Andres
Published: February 2023

Dispersal shapes population connectivity and plays a critical role in marine metacommunities. Prominent species for coastal socioecological systems, such as jellyfish and spiny lobsters, feature long pelagic dispersal phases (LPDPs), which have long been overlooked. Here, we use a cross-scale approach combining field surveys of these species with a high-resolution hydrodynamic model to decipher the underlying mechanisms of LPDP patterns in northwestern Mediterranean shores. We identified basin-scale prevailing dispersal routes and synchronic year-to-year patterns tightly linked to prominent circulation features typical of marginal seas and semienclosed basins, with an outstanding role of a retentive source area replenishing shores and potentially acting as a pelagic nursery area. We show how the atmospheric forcing of the ocean, a marked hydrological driver of the Mediterranean Sea, modulates dispersal routes and sources of LPDP at interannual scales. These findings represent a crucial advance in our understanding of the functioning of metapopulations of species with LPDP in marginal seas and may contribute to the effective management of coastal ecosystem services in the face of climate change.
Integrative competing endogenous RNA network analyses identify novel lncRNA and genes implicated in metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Jayarathna Dulari K. , Rentería Miguel E. , Batra Jyotsna , Gandhi Neha S.
Published: February 2023

Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) have gained attention in cancer research owing to their involvement in microRNA-mediated gene regulation. Previous studies have identified ceRNA networks of individual cancers. Nevertheless, none of these studies has investigated different cancer stages. We identify stage-specific ceRNAs in breast cancer using the cancer genome atlas data. Moreover, we investigate the molecular functions and prognostic ability of ceRNAs involved in stage I–IV networks. We identified differentially expressed candidate ceRNAs using edgeR and limma R packages. A three-step analysis was used to identify statistically significant ceRNAs of each stage. Survival analysis and functional enrichment analysis were conducted to identify molecular functions and prognostic ability. We found five genes and one long non-coding RNA unique to the stage IV ceRNA network. These genes have been described in previous breast cancer studies. Genes acted as ceRNAs are enriched in cancer-associated pathways. Two, three, and three microRNAs from stages I, II, and III were prognostic from the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Our results reveal a set of unique ceRNAs in metastatic breast cancer. Further experimental work is required to evaluate their role in metastasis. Moreover, identifying stage-specific ceRNAs will improve the understanding of personalised therapeutics in breast cancer.
Reliability of coracohumeral distance and subcoracoid tendons in subacromial pain syndrome
Authors: Cavaggion Claudia , Navarro-Ledesma Santiago , Juul-Kristensen Birgit , Luque-Suarez Alejandro , Voogt Lennard , Struyf Filip
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the intra-rater reliability of a novice ultrasound (US) examiner and the inter-rater reliability of two examiners (novice, expert) in the measures of coracohumeral distance at rest (CHD) and at 60° of elevation without (CHD60) or with weights (CHD60w), tendon thickness of the long head of the biceps (LHB) and subscapularis (SCP). Twenty-one patients with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) and 20 asymptomatic participants were included. Intra and inter-rater reliability were tested with intraclass-correlation-coefficient (ICC), differences between raters were analyzed with Bland–Altman plots. Intra-rater reliability for CHD, CHD60 and CHD60w was excellent (ICC = 0.97–0.98) in asymptomatic participants, and good-to-excellent (0.88–0.93) in SAPS, while intra-rater reliability for LHB and SCP was good-to-excellent in asymptomatic participants (0.88–0.97) and in SAPS (0.90–0.92). Inter-rater reliability for CHD, CHD60 and CHD60w was moderate-to-good (0.70–0.90) in asymptomatic participants and good (0.85–0.87) in SAPS, in contrast inter-rater reliability for LHB and SCP was poor in asymptomatic participants (0.10–0.46) and poor-to-moderate (0.49–0.61) in SAPS. Bland–Altman plots revealed systematic and/or proportional bias for tendons’ thickness. A novice showed good-to-excellent intra-rater reliability in all US measures, whereas in comparison to an expert a novice can measure reliably CHD, CHD60 and CHD60w, but not LHB and SCP, where more training is recommended.
Detection of a reduced susceptibility to chlorfenapyr in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae contrasts with full susceptibility in Anopheles funestus across Africa
Authors: Tchouakui Magellan , Assatse Tatiane , Tazokong Hervé R. , Oruni Ambrose , Menze Benjamin D. , Nguiffo-Nguete Daniel , Mugenzi Leon M. J. , Kayondo Jonathan , Watsenga Francis , Mzilahowa Themba , Osae Michael , Wondji Charles S.
Published: February 2023

New insecticides have recently been produced to help control pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors including the pyrrole, chlorfenapyr. Monitoring the susceptibility of mosquito populations against this new product and potential cross-resistance with current insecticides is vital for better resistance management. In this study, we assessed the resistance status of the major malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus to chlorfenapyr across Africa and explored potential cross-resistance with known pyrethroid resistance markers. Efficacy of chlorfenapyr 100 µg/ml against An. gambiae and An. funestus from five Cameroonian locations, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Uganda, and Malawi was assessed using CDC bottle assays. Synergist assays were performed with PBO (4%), DEM (8%) and DEF (0.25%) and several pyrethroid-resistant markers were genotyped in both species to assess potential cross-resistance between pyrethroids and chlorfenapyr. Resistance to chlorfenapyr was detected in An. gambiae populations from DRC (Kinshasa) (mortality rate: 64.3 ± 7.1%) Ghana (Obuasi) (65.9 ± 7.4%), Cameroon (Mangoum; 75.2 ± 7.7% and Nkolondom; 86.1 ± 7.4). In contrast, all An. funestus populations were fully susceptible. A negative association was observed between the L1014F-kdr mutation and chlorfenapyr resistance with a greater frequency of homozygote resistant mosquitoes among the dead mosquitoes after exposure compared to alive (OR 0.5; P = 0.02) whereas no association was found between GSTe2 (I114T in An. gambiae; L119F in An. funestus) and resistance to chlorfenapyr. A significant increase of mortality to chlorfenapyr 10 µg/ml was observed in An. funestus after to PBO, DEM and DEF whereas a trend for a decreased mortality was observed in An. gambiae after PBO pre-exposure. This study reveals a greater risk of chlorfenapyr resistance in An. gambiae populations than in An. funestus. However, the higher susceptibility in kdr-resistant mosquitoes points to higher efficacy of chlorfenapyr against the widespread kdr-based pyrethroid resistance.
Herpes zoster and long-term vascular risk: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Horev Amir , Horev Anat , Gordon-Irshai Adi , Gordon Michal , Andre Nicolas , Ifergane Gal
Published: February 2023

Herpes zoster (HZ) represents a serious health problem in the general population due to its abundance and complications. Stroke and acute myocardial infarction are well-documented short-term complications of HZ, primarily due to vasculopathy in the cerebral and coronary arteries. However, no major study to date has specifically demonstrated that HZ is a long-term risk factor for all Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events (MACCE). A retrospective cohort study was conducted analyzing the association between HZ and MACCE. We compared HZ patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2018 and a matched control group. The model was stratified according to matched pairs and adjusted for age, socioeconomic status, history of dyslipidemia, and prior myocardial infarction (MI). Association between HZ exposure and stroke was assessed through a multivariable Cox regression analysis. The study included 41,930 patients, with 20,965 patients in each group. The risk of MACCE was 19% higher among HZ patients in the first year of follow up (P < 0.001). Antiviral treatment did not positively affect long-term survival among HZ patients (P < 0.001). These results suggest that HZ is a marker of long-term vascular risk. Additional studies will be needed to further evaluate this risk, the impact of HZ vaccination on such risk, and potential mitigation strategies.
Hyperspectral image reconstruction from colored natural flame luminosity imaging in a tri-fuel optical engine
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Karimkashi Shervin , Ahmad Zeeshan , Kaario Ossi , Vuorinen Ville , Larmi Martti
Published: February 2023

The detection of chemiluminescence from various radicals and molecules in a hydrocarbon flame can provide valuable information on the rate of local heat release, combustion stability, and combustion completeness. In this study, chemiluminescence from the combustion process is detected using a high-speed color camera within the broadband spectrum of visible light. Whereon, a novel hyperspectral reconstruction approach based on the physically plausible spectral reconstruction (PPSR) is employed to reconstruct the spectral chemiluminescence signals from 400 to 700 nm with a resolution of 10 nm to provide 31 different spectral channels. The reconstructed key chemiluminescence signals (e.g., CH*, CH2O*, C2*, and CO2*) from the color images are further analyzed to characterize the chemical kinetics and combustion processes under engine conditions. The spectral chemiluminescence evolution with engine crank angle is identified to comprehend the effect of H2 fraction on flame characteristics and combustion kinetics. Additionally, in this study, a detailed kinetic mechanism is adopted to deepen the theoretical understanding and describe the spectral chemiluminescence from H2/CH4 and H2/CH4/n-dodecane flames at relevant conditions for various species including OH*, CH*, C2*, and CO2*. The results indicate that the PPSR is an adequately reliable approach to reconstructing spectral wavelengths based on chemiluminescence signals from the color images, which can potentially provide qualitative information about the evolution of various species during combustion. Here, the reconstructed chemiluminescence images show less than 1% errors compared to the raw images in red, green, and blue channels. Furthermore, the reconstructed chemiluminescence trends of CH*, CH2O*, C2*, and CO2* show a good agreement with the detailed kinetics 0D simulation.
Colorimetry characteristics and color contribution of fluorescence in natural Cr-containing spinel
Authors: Tang Jun , Guo Ying , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2023

Fluorescence plays an important role in determining the color appearance of fluorescing minerals. This paper discusses the color mechanism in the red spinel and the color effects from the light source as well as the background on the spinel color. Excitation-Emission Matrices (EEMs) fluorescence spectroscopy was utilized to characterize the fluorescence of natural Cr-doped magnesia-alumina spinel from Myanmar. EMP, LA-ICP-MS, and optical spectroscopy were applied to study the spinel's chemical compositions and color mechanism. X-Rite Ci-7800 spectrophotometer, which is useful to measure colors for fluorescing minerals, was employed to acquire color data of spinel in daylight and incandescent light. The results indicated the higher value of Cr/Fe makes pinkish-red spinel has a much stronger red fluorescence effect than dark-red spinel. The two narrow absorption bands at ~ 25,500 cm−1 (with a broad absorption band at ~ 24,100 cm−1) and ~ 18,570 cm−1 in the optical absorption spectrum are assigned to spin-allowed electronic d-d transitions 4A2g → 4T1g(F) and 4A2g → 4T2g(F) in Cr3+ at the M site. The EEMs spectra of the pinkish-red spinels show twin emissions at 706 nm excited both by ~ 380 nm and ~ 535 nm radiations, which is the key to the bright neon red color in pinkish-red spinel. The colorimetry study suggests the strong red fluorescence produced by < 460 nm radiation contributes more than 10% lightness and chroma in pinkish-red spinel under daylight. The lightness and the chroma of the spinels grow with the decrease of the background grayscale. The differentiation of spinel colors in dark conditions is lower than that in a bright environment.
Discovering layered lead-free perovskite solar absorbers via cation transmutation
Authors: Chen Ming , Shan Zhicheng , Dong Xiaofeng , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Xu Zhuo
Published: February 2023

Dion–Jacobson double perovskites BDA2MIMIIIX8 are explored for stable and high-efficiency lead-free solar cell absorbers.
Recent progress in flexible pressure sensors based on multiple microstructures: from design to application
Authors: Zhao Xin , Zhao Shujing , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Su Zhiqiang
Published: February 2023

Microstructure design and application of flexible pressure sensors.
Point-of-care (POC) SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection using functionalized aerosol jet-printed organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs)
Authors: Fan Jiaxin , Parr Sheldon , Kang Seongdae , Gupta Manisha
Published: February 2023

The continuous spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has highlighted the need for simple and reliable diagnostic technologies for point-of-care (POC) virus detection applications.
Self-adhesive electronic skin for ultra-sensitive healthcare monitoring
Authors: Chen Anbang , Zhang Jiayu , Zhu Jundong , Yan Zhen , Wu Qirui , Han Songjiu , Huang Jianren , Guan Lunhui
Published: February 2023

Inspired by human skin, a versatile wearable sensor based on hydrogels and graphene oxide/carbon nanotube (GO/CNT) conductors was proposed. The integrated sensor has a crack response mechanism and exhibits excellent sensing performance.
R-Nb2O5 has an ‘idealized’ V2O5 structure and Wadsley–Roth-like structural stability during Li-ion battery cycling
Authors: Parui Kausturi , Lee Alexander D. , Gandhi Shornam , Butala Megan M.
Published: February 2023

R-Nb2O5 has minimal structure changes with cycling and symmetric cycling profiles. With Wadsley–Roth ‘slabs’ and an ‘idealized’ V2O5 structure, metastable R-Nb2O5 bridges understanding of two well-studied families of Li-ion battery electrodes.
Highly regioselective C–H carbonylation of alkenes with phenyl formateviaaryl to vinyl 1,4-palladium migration
Authors: Ye Tao , Cheng Fangyuan , Zhang Jian , Liu Yang-Zi , Wang Quannan , Deng Wei-Ping
Published: February 2023

A novel approach to synthesize β,β-diaryl substituted α,β-unsaturated esters in high efficiency and with excellent regio- and stereoselectivities was developed.
Understanding surface chemical processes in perovskite oxide electrodes
Authors: Sha Zijie , Shen Zonghao , Calì Eleonora , Kilner John A. , Skinner Stephen J.
Published: February 2023

Significantly different surface chemical compositions in SOCs are correlated with the dynamic mass transport phenomena such as Sr segregation, Cr evaporation and redeposition and linked with the material's oxygen transport properties.
High-areal-capacity anode-free all-solid-state lithium batteries enabled by interconnected carbon-reinforced ionic-electronic composites
Authors: Huang Wen-Ze , Liu Ze-Yu , Xu Pan , Kong Wei-Jin , Huang Xue-Yan , Shi Peng , Wu Peng , Zhao Chen-Zi , Yuan Hong , Huang Jia-Qi , Zhang Qiang
Published: February 2023

A three-dimensional carbon-reinforced ionic-electronic composite (CRIEC) boosts the cycling areal capacities of working anode-free all-solid-state lithium batteries.
Location and size selection using hybrid Jaya‐Luus‐Jaakola algorithm for decentralized generations in distribution system considering demand‐side management
Authors: Meena V. P. , Yadav U. K. , Mathur Akhilesh , Singh V. P. , Guerrero Josep M. , Khan Baseem
Published: February 2023

In the distribution system, decentralized generation is incorporated to maximize the system reliability and economic stability, and to avoid redundancy in system. The efficient implementation of distributed‐generations (DGs) in a distribution‐system (DS) can be done by employing demand‐side management (DSM). In this research proposal, location and size selection of DGs in a DS considering DSM is accomplished using a hybrid Jaya‐Luus‐Jaakola (JLJ) algorithm. The hybridization of Jaya algorithm (JA) with Luus‐Jaakola algorithm (LJA) is done with a view to improving the rate of convergence of the algorithm. Three design objectives of minimization of active power loss and voltage deviation along with maximization of voltage stability index are considered in this research proposal. These design objectives under consideration are integrated together to form a problem of a single objective by assignments of weights. The formulated problem is minimized using proposed hybrid algorithm subjected to system constraints such as balance of power, limits on bus voltage and line capacity, and generation level of DGs. A static penalty is added to the formulated problem in case of any constraint violations. A photo‐voltaic‐based DG is used in the 33‐bus standard radial‐distribution‐system (RDS). A DSM scenario is created by shifting some loads of peak hours to off‐peak hours in view of minimizing the total cost of generation. The potency and superiority of the proposed algorithm is validated with the help of comparison of the results obtained by exploiting proposed method with results acquired from available state‐of‐art algorithms in literature. The comparison proves the comparative superior performance of the proposed algorithm.
The Hubble/STIS near-ultraviolet transmission spectrum of HD 189733 b
Authors: Cubillos P. E. , Fossati L. , Koskinen T. , Huang C. , Sreejith A. G. , France K. , Wilson Cauley P. , Haswell C. A.
Published: February 2023

The benchmark hot Jupiter HD 189733 b has been a key target, used to lay out the foundations of comparative planetology for giant exo-planets. As such, HD 189733 b has been extensively studied across the electromagnetic spectrum. Here we report the observation and analysis of three transit light curves of HD 189733 b obtained with Hubble/STIS in the near-ultraviolet (NUV), the last remaining unexplored spectral window to be probed with present-day instrumentation for this planet. The NUV is a unique window for atmospheric mass-loss studies owing to the strong resonance lines and large photospheric flux. Overall, from a low-resolution analysis (R = 50) we found that the planet’s NUV spectrum is well characterized by a relatively flat baseline, consistent with the optical-infrared transmission, plus two regions at ~2350 and ~2600 Å that exhibit a broad and significant excess absorption above the continuum. From an analysis at a higher resolution (R = 4700), we found that the transit depths at the core of the magnesium resonance lines are consistent with the surrounding continuum. We discarded the presence of Mg II absorption in the upper atmosphere at a ~2–4σ confidence level, whereas we could place no significant constraint for Mg I absorption. These broad absorption features coincide with the expected location of Fe II bands; however, solar-abundance hydrodynamic models of the upper atmosphere are not able to reproduce the amplitude of these features with iron absorption. This scenario would require a combination of little to no iron condensation in the lower atmosphere super-solar metallicities and a mechanism to enhance the absorption features (such as zonal wind broadening). The true nature of this feature remains to be confirmed.
The vibration environment prediction method based on OPAX
Authors: LI Yixuan , LIU Jijun , LI Kaixiang , BAI Chunyu
Published: February 2023

准确获得飞机结构及机载设备的振动环境至关重要, 传统的振动环境预计方法预计准确度低, 可能会导致后期振动环境试验过试验或欠试验的问题。创新性地提出了一种基于扩展工况传递路径分析(OPAX)的振动环境预计方法, 采用实测数据搭建振动环境预计模型, 再利用该模型对新工况下的振动环境进行预计。试验室环境下, 搭建了某型飞机典型设备舱振动测试系统, 基于OPAX方法搭建了机载设备的振动环境预计模型, 并对其预计准确度进行了验证。对比预计结果与试验结果, 得到: ①新工况下模型预计均方根值与试验测试均方根值相比, 误差保持在20%以内; ②在预计频段范围内, 新工况下模型预计的变化趋势与试验测试基本一致, 个别频率处差异较大。综合新工况下预计结果, 这种基于OPAX的振动环境预计方法预计精度较高, 且搭建模型所需数据量较少, 搭建方便, 具有可操作性和工程实用价值。
Prähabilitation bei elektiver Lungen-Teilresektion (PRELS) – Eine Machbarkeitsstudie
Authors: Rechberger Sandra , Unger Ines , Greco Nico , Leuenberger Joachim M. Schmidt , Suter Peter , Wirz Markus
Published: February 2023

Hintergrund Lungenkrebs weist die höchste krebsbedingte Sterblichkeitsrate auf. Die chirurgische Resektion bei nicht kleinzelligem Lungenkrebs im Frühstadium bildet den Grundstein der Behandlung. Thoraxchirurgische Eingriffe sind mit einer erhöhten Rate an postoperativen Komplikationen verbunden, insbesondere bei verminderter präoperativer Leistungsfähigkeit. Das Enhanced Recovery Protocol stellt einen evidenzbasierten Ansatz für die Versorgung von Patient*innen dar, wobei ein wachsendes Interesse am Wert der Prähabilitation besteht. Prähabilitationsprotokolle, die auf eine Verbesserung der postoperativen Genesung abzielen, wurden als eine Intervention zur Verringerung der post-chirurgischen Beschwerden vorgeschlagen. Bis heute gibt es in der Schweiz keine etablierten Protokolle für ein präoperatives, körperliches Training.

Ziel Untersuchung der Machbarkeit eines präoperativen Trainingsprogramms für Patient*innen mit geplanter Lungenteilresektion.

Methoden Im Rahmen einer multizentrischen Machbarkeitsstudie wurden an 4 Schweizer Kliniken je 1 Person in ein präoperatives Training aufgenommen. Die Intervention bestand aus einem ambulanten Übungsprogramm mit Krafttraining und High-Intensity Intervall-Ausdauertraining für mindestens 1 Woche vor dem chirurgischen Eingriff. Die Endpunkte der Studie waren die Durchführbarkeit der präoperativen Rehabilitation und der Assessments sowie eine erste Abschätzung der Effekte.

Ergebnisse 4 Patient*innen wurden eingeschlossen. In allen Kliniken begannen die Patient*innen 21,5 ± 3 Tage vor der Operation mit dem Training, es gab keine Trainingsunterbrechungen. Es wurden keine unerwünschten Ereignisse beobachtet, was darauf hinweist, dass das präoperative Bewegungstraining sicher ist. Das vorgesehene Studiendesign konnte eingehalten werden. Die ausgewählten funktionellen Assessments sind durchführbar, sicher und die Ergebnisse sind für die Studie geeignet. Die Rekrutierung erwies sich jedoch als große Herausforderung.

Diskussion Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass ein präoperatives Training durchführbar ist. Um das Rekrutierungspotenzial voll auszuschöpfen, ist es notwendig, die Risikostratifizierung, die organisatorischen Abläufe der beteiligten Kliniken zu spezifizieren und eine hohe Kooperationsbereitschaft aller beteiligten Disziplinen sicherzustellen bzw. zu definieren.

Schlussfolgerung Ein präoperatives, intensives Training vor einer geplanten Lungenteilresektion in 4 großen Spitälern der Schweiz war machbar. Es zeigten sich positive Effekte bezüglich Kraft und Ausdauer, zudem fühlten sich die Patient*innen in dieser Phase gut betreut. Ängste und Bedenken konnten frühzeitig adressiert und besprochen werden. Die Machbarkeitsstudie lieferte wertvolle Erkenntnisse für das Protokoll einer nachfolgenden Effektivitätsstudie.
Efficacy of Work-Related Support Rehabilitation for Patients with
Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Gang , Wang Bin , Hu Yunzhou , Wang Xiaolong
Published: February 2023

Introduction The efficacy of work-related support rehabilitation for
patients with cancer remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and
meta-analysis to explore the influence of work-related support rehabilitation on
the quality of life in patients with cancer.

Methods We have searched Pubmed, Embase, Web of science, Ebsco, and
Cochrane library databases through August 2021 for randomized controlled trials
(RCTs) assessing the effect of work-related support rehabilitation on the
quality of life in patients with cancer. This meta-analysis is performed using
the random-effect model.

Results Four RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared
with usual care for cancer patients, work-related support is associated with
significantly improved quality of life physical score (PCS, standard mean
difference [SMD]=0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.06
to 0.37; P=0.005) and reduced quality of life pain
(SMD=−0.16; 95% CI=−0.31 to 0;
P=0.04), but showed no obvious impact on quality of life mental score
(MCS, SMD=0; 95% CI=−0.28 to 0.28;
P=0.98), time of return to work (SMD=−0.78; 95%
CI=−2.71 to 1.14; P=0.43), or the scores of work ability
(SMD=−0.01; 95% CI=−0.16 to 9.09;
P=0.13) and work limitation (SMD=0.12; 95%
CI=−0.16 to 0.40; P=0.41).

Conclusions Work-related support rehabilitation may be effective to
improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
Manual Instruments as an Alternative to Drilling for Bony Exposure in Skull Base Surgery: Concept and Technique
Authors: Jha Deepak K. , Agrawal Mohit , Gosal Jaskaran Singh , Janu Vikas , Agrawal Dhruv K. , Sharma Raghvendra K. , Garg Mayank , Ghatak Surajit , Elhence Poonam , Bhatia Pradeep K.
Published: February 2023

Background Drilling in neurosurgery is an integral part of surgical exposure, especially in skull base approaches and craniovertebral junction (CVJ) surgeries. Most of such drillings are done in close proximity to the neurovascular structures in skull base surgeries and cervical-medullary junction or facet/pedicle in CVJ surgeries. Reluctance to drilling among young neurosurgeons is due to less hands-on experience during training and also, in the early part of the career, due to fear of injury to neurovascular structures.

Methods Five commonest bone removals for skull base region and CVJ surgeries that can be safely done using manual instruments were identified based on experiences of senior authors. The authors highlight key technical nuances to widen surgical corridors using manual instruments safely for skull base surgical approaches.

Results Basic neuroanatomical concepts and basic physics help in using manual instruments safely for bone removals in various skull base surgical approaches.

Conclusions Manual instruments may be used for bone removals in selected skull base surgical approaches, which help young neurosurgeons to perform these surgeries in limited-resource settings.
Misdiagnosis of Total Parental Nutrition-Related Riboflavin Deficiency: Three Case Reports of Diagnostic Error
Authors: Shafer Grant J. , Abdenur Jose E. , Dhar Vijay , Mikhael Michel
Published: February 2023

Total parental nutrition (TPN) is a critical component of neonatal intensive care. Supply shortages leading to deficiencies in TPN constituents can have devastating consequences for critically ill patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), who may be initially misdiagnosed as potential inborn errors of metabolism. Here, we present three cases of patients with prolonged TPN dependence due to intra-abdominal pathology who presented with signs and symptoms concerning for metabolic disorders and who were ultimately determined to be a result of vitamin deficiencies in the TPN after unnecessary testing and interventions had occurred. These diagnostic errors highlight the need for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for nutritional deficiencies when treating patients in the NICU with potential metabolic disorders during times when TPN constituents are not available, as well as advocating to ensure that adequate supplies are maintained for this vulnerable population.
Evaluation of Gabapentin in the Treatment of Postoperative Pain after a Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy in Dogs
Authors: Almeida Daniel , Wendt-Hornickle Erin , Conzemius Michael G.
Published: February 2023

Objective Pain management is an essential component of perioperative patient care. Multimodal pain management strategies have the potential to provide more effective analgesia than a single drug. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of gabapentin as an adjuvant to carprofen for the management of postoperative pain following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy surgery.

Materials and Methods The study included 20 adult dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament disease, assigned to one of two postoperative treatment groups, receiving either carprofen (4.4 mg/kg orally every 24 hours) or carprofen plus gabapentin 20 mg/kg, orally, every 8 hours beginning the night prior to surgery and continuing for 14 days postoperatively. The patients were blindly assessed postoperatively using the Short Form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (GCMPS-SF) and limb function measured by pressure platform gait analysis. There was no difference in body weight, age, affected hindlimb or sex between groups.

Result No differences were found in (GCMPS-SF) pain assessments; after surgery, a (GCMPS-SF) more than or equal to 6 was documented in four dogs (two dogs in each group) and no dog required rescue analgesia more than once.

Conclusion In this population of dogs, the addition of oral gabapentin at the dose and frequency studied did not improve subjective or objective outcome measures for perioperative pain control following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy surgery.
Frontotemporal Craniotomy for Clipping of Unruptured Aneurysm Using a Diamond-Coated Thread Wire Saw and Reconstruction Using Calcium Phosphate Cement without Metal Fixation
Authors: Koizumi Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Daisuke , Handa Hajime , Saruta Wakiko , Shimizu Satoru , Hide Takuichiro , Kumabe Toshihiro
Published: February 2023

Metal fixation systems for cranial bone flaps cut by a drill are convenient devices for cranioplasty, but cause several complications. We use modified craniotomy using a fine diamond-coated threadwire saw (diamond T-saw) to reduce the bone defect, and osteoplasty calcium phosphate cement without metal fixation. We report our outcomes and tips of this method. A total of 78 consecutive patients underwent elective frontotemporal craniotomy for clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms between 2015 and 2019. The follow-up periods ranged from 13 to 66 months. The bone fixation state was evaluated by bone computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional CT (3D-CT). The diamond T-saw could minimize the bone defect. Only one wound infection occurred within 1 week postoperatively, and no late infection. No pain, palpable/cosmetically noticeable displacement of the bone flap, fluid accumulations, or other complications were observed. The condition of bone fixation and the cosmetic efficacy were thoroughly satisfactory for all patients, and bone CT and 3D-CT demonstrated that good bone fusion. No complication typical of metal fixation occurred. Our method is technically easy and safety, and achieved good mid-term bone flap fixation in the mid-term course, so has potential for bone fixation without the use of metal plates.
Fully Guided Synthetic Osteochondral Resurfacing of a Large Stifle OCD Lesion Using a Patient-Specific Implant and Drill Guides
Authors: Moser Jasmine , Haimel Georg , Barker-Benfield Karen , Leschnik Katharina , Böttcher Peter
Published: February 2023

Synthetic anatomical reconstruction of extensive, oval osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) defects remains a challenge due to the ‘one shape fits all’ design of commercial round implants. This is further complicated by the inherent inaccuracy of free-hand implant positioning procedures. A 6-month-old German Shepherd presented with a 15 × 7.8 × 4.3 mm OCD defect at the lateral femoral condyle. A synthetic patient-specific implant (PSI) was designed, using the contralateral unaffected condyle as a template. Reaming of the implant bed was fully guided using a set of three-dimensional-printed drill guides. The implant, consisting of a titanium base and a polycarbonate urethane bearing surface, was press-fit into place. Temporary meniscal release of the cranial meniscal horn was repaired, followed by routine closure and postoperative care. The combination of PSI and matching drill guides resulted in an accurate restoration of the normal joint surface at the former defect area. At 6-week and 18-month follow-ups, mild joint effusion, unexpected soft tissue mineralization and a small joint mouse were present. No other complications were encountered, and the dog was clinically lameness-free. At 6 weeks and 6 months, computerized gait analysis documented increased loading of the affected limb from 36% preoperatively to 42 and 40%, on follow-up, respectively. Body weight distribution between both hindlimbs was nearly equal at the 6-month control with 1% difference in loading. Osteochondral resurfacing using a PSI appears to be a promising treatment option for large stifle OCD lesions in which other treatment modalities may not be eligible.
Update on Hepatobiliary Plasticity
Authors: Kim Minwook , Rizvi Fatima , Shin Donghun , Gouon-Evans Valerie
Published: February 2023

The liver field has been debating for decades the contribution of the plasticity of the two epithelial compartments in the liver, hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells (BECs), to derive each other as a repair mechanism. The hepatobiliary plasticity has been first observed in diseased human livers by the presence of biphenotypic cells expressing hepatocyte and BEC markers within bile ducts and regenerative nodules or budding from strings of proliferative BECs in septa. These observations are not surprising as hepatocytes and BECs derive from a common fetal progenitor, the hepatoblast, and, as such, they are expected to compensate for each other's loss in adults. To investigate the cell origin of regenerated cell compartments and associated molecular mechanisms, numerous murine and zebrafish models with ability to trace cell fates have been extensively developed. This short review summarizes the clinical and preclinical studies illustrating the hepatobiliary plasticity and its potential therapeutic application.
Complications of Decompressive Craniectomy: A Case-Based Review
Authors: Kumarasamy Sivaraman , Garg Kanwaljeet , Gurjar Hitesh Kumar , Praneeth Kokkula , Meena Rajesh , Doddamani Ramesh , Kumar Amandeep , Mishra Shashwat , Tandon Vivek , Singh Pankaj , Agrawal Deepak
Published: February 2023

Background Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a frequently performed procedure to treat intracranial hypertension following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke. DC is a salvage procedure that reduces mortality at the expense of severe disability and compromises the quality of life. The procedure is not without serious complications.

Methods We describe the complications following DC and its management in a case-based review in this article.

Results Complications after DC are classified as early or late complications based on the time of occurrence. Early complication includes hemorrhage, external cerebral herniation, wound complications, CSF leak/fistula, and seizures/epilepsy. Contusion expansion, new contralateral epidural, and subdural hematoma in the immediate postoperative period mandate surgical intervention. It is necessary to repeat non-contrast CT head at 24 hours and 48 hours following DC. Late complication includes subdural hygroma, hydrocephalus, syndrome of the trephined, bone resorption, and falls on the unprotected cranium. An early cranioplasty is an effective strategy to mitigate most of the late complications.

Conclusions DC can be associated with a number of complications. One should be aware of the possible complications, and timely intervention is required.
Enhancement of Curie temperature of gallium ferrite beyond room temperature by the formation of Ga0.8Fe1.2O3−Y3Fe5O12 composite
Authors: Hait Swarnali , Mandal Kalyan
Published: February 2023

Multiferroic materials with good magneto-electric coupling are of great interest due to their enormous applications in the field of spintronic devices. Magnetoelectric (ME) gallium ferrite is an interesting material due to its room temperature (RT) piezoelectricity and near RT ferrimagnetism along with significant ME coupling (10−11 s/m at 4.2 K). The work aims to increase the magnetic transition temperature (TC) of the material above RT so that the material can have strong ME coupling at room temperature and can be implemented for practical applications. Several earlier reports have shown the magnetic transition temperature of Ga2−xFexO3 increases with higher Fe contents. Hence, we chose to study the properties of Ga2−xFexO3 (GFO) only for x = 1.2. Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) is another material that is RT ferromagnet material with very high resistivity (∼1012 Ω cm). In this work, by forming a GFO-YIG composite with only a 10% concentration of YIG, the phase transition temperature is increased beyond room temperature from ∼289 K for GFO to ∼309 K for 0.9 GFO-0.1 YIG. The remnant magnetization is also enhanced from 0.211 emu/g to 2.82 emu/g reporting a magnetization of ∼8.2 emu/g at 30 kOe.
Anisotropy effects on the quantum transport of atomic matter waves
Authors: Yedjour Afifa , Boudjemâa Abdelâali
Published: February 2023

We discuss effects of anisotropic scattering in transport properties of ultracold atoms in three-dimensional optical potentials. Within the realm of the first Born approximation, we calculate the self energy, the scattering mean free time, the scattering mean free path, and the anisotropy factor. The behavior of the diffusion constant as a function of the wavenumber is also examined in diffusive and weak localization regimes. We show that these quantities are affected by quantum corrections due to the interference caused by disorder. The dimensionless conductance is evaluated using the scaling theory of localization. Our results are compared with previous theoretical and the experimental results.
Soliton dynamics in two ferromagnetic chains coupled through interactions between opposite and diagonal spins
Authors: Kamburova R S , Primatarowa M T
Published: February 2023

A system of two anisotropic ferromagnetic chains coupled through the interactions between both opposite and diagonal spins is investigated. For the easy-axis on-site anisotropy the system possess soliton solutions. We studied the influence of the coupling constants on the soliton parameters. We obtained that the coupling between opposite spins does not change the soliton parameters while the coupling between diagonal spins has influence on the form and the velocity of the soliton. Further we considered the propagation of a soliton excitation launched in one of the chains and obtained the condition for its perfect switching.
Design and elaboration of various multilayer beam splitters
Authors: Stoyanova E , Levicharov P , Antonova K , Miloushev I , Tenev T
Published: February 2023

Three types of beam splitters: neutral, dichroic and polarizing are designed and elaborated on the base of multilayer interference coatings. The MacNeille’s cube geometry is applied. The software „TFCalc-3.5“ is used for matching the calculated with the measured spectra thus obtaining the optical constants of the vacuum deposited materials and the layer thickness. The technological parameters of the laboratory samples are established as a protocol for their manufacture.
Surface plasmon-like properties of one-dimensional photonic crystal and its application in surface-enhanced fluorescence
Authors: Todorov Rosen , Atanasova Anna , Katrova Vesela , Hristova-Vasileva Temenuga
Published: February 2023

The present work reports on the plasmon-like properties of one dimensional photonic crystal (1D PhC) as active material for surface-enhanced fluorescence application. 1D PhC was prepared through layer-by-layer deposition of spin coated Poly (methyl methacrylate) and vacuum deposited As2S3. The thicknesses of the alternating layers were tailored with Bragg’s condition for a quarter wave stack. The optical properties of the 1D PhC were characterized by UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometry. The interaction of surface electromagnetic waves (SEW) supported by the photonic crystals with the localized surface plasmon waves spreading on the surface of very thin metallic films deposited on top of the 1D PhC was investigated. The efficiency of the surface-enhanced fluorescence was studied by using a 0.1 % w/v Cu (II)-phthalocyanine (CuPc) in Pluronic PE 6800 water solution. Two times enhancement of fluorescence signal of CuPc was observed in the case of Au overlayer on the surface of the 1D PhC.
Formulation and characterization of Benzydamine loaded casein/chitosan nanocomplexes
Authors: Marudova M , Milenkova S , Zahariev N , Yovcheva T , Pilicheva B
Published: February 2023

The objectives of the present study were to synthesize casein/chitosan nanocomplexes, which are able to immobilize and release Benzydamine in a controlled manner, and to investigate the influence of casein/chitosan ratio on their morphological, physico-chemical and drug carrier characteristics. The complexes were obtained by electrostatic interaction at pH 6, at which casein in negatively charged and chitosan is protonated. The yield of the complexation was the lowest for chitosan excess particles (18.4%) and increased to 83.5% for casein excess particles. The particle size varied in the range from 400 nm to several microns depending on the casein/chitosan ratio. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to assess the morphological properties of the nanocomplexes. It was found that the Benzydamine loading was minimal (15%) in the stoichiometric complex and maximal (30%) in complexes with casein/chitosan ratio 5:1. The mechanism of Benzydamine release was defined as Fickian diffusion.
Molecular dynamics simulations of the monomer density profiles of knotted ring polymer chains confined in a slit of two parallel walls with one attractive and another repulsive surface.
Authors: Kuterba P , Christiansen H , Danel Z , Janke W
Published: February 2023

We have used Molecular Dynamics simulations to obtain the monomer density profiles for real linear and ring polymer chains of 360 monomers length with different topological structures such as simple knots: 31, 61, 91, 10124, complex knots 313151 and twisted knots with n = 10 and n = 20 in a slit geometry of two parallel walls with one attractive and another repulsive surface. We have used Large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS) software to perform simulations with the Verlet integration algorithm. The interactions between monomers were simulated as Lennard-Jones 12-6 potential, for bonds we have used Finitely Extensible Nonlinear Elastic (FENE) potential and the interaction with the walls was taken into account via Lennard-Jones 9-3 potential. We observed that topologically complex polymers have lower monomer density profiles near the attractive wall, but at some distance in the direction to the repulsive wall this tendency changes to the opposite. We showed that most complex twisted knots have two maxima in narrow slits. In the wide slits we do not observe such relation for twisted knots at higher temperatures. These results are important for better understanding the nature of the depletion forces which arise in a slit geometry of two parallel walls with one attractive and one repulsive wall.
Trace-moisture measurement using cavity ring-down spectroscopy at NMIJ
Authors: Abe H.
Published: February 2023

Trace-moisture standards traceable to the International System of Units (SI) used for the performance test of trace-moisture analyzers and trace-moisture measurement systems based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) developed at the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) are briefly reviewed. The magnetic-suspension-balance/diffusion-tube humidity generator, which was the first generator used for the trace-moisture standard developed at NMIJ, is presented. Three measurement systems based on CRDS, which are wavelength-meter-controlled CRDS, dual-laser CRDS, and miniaturized CRDS, are presented. The performance of the three CRDS systems were evaluated using the SI-traceable trace-moisture standards.
Self- and N2- broadening of CO in the low-pressure regime
Authors: Tan Y. , Hua T.-P. , Tang J.-D. , Wang J. , Liu A.-W. , Sun Y. R. , Cheng C.-F. , Hu S.-M.
Published: February 2023

Sub-Doppler saturated absorption spectroscopy of rovibrational transitions of carbon monoxide broadened by nitrogen was recorded at low pressures (1-24 Pa) near 1.56 µm with comb-locked cavity ring-down saturation spectroscopy. We found a nonlinear pressure dependence of the Lamb-dip width of the CO transition induced by elastic scattering. Analysis of the results allows us to characterize parameters of elastic- and nonelastic- scattering under collisions. The elastic scattering angle for nitrogen-induced collisions (CO-N2) was determined to be larger than 0.6 × 10−3 rad. The line broadening of the Lamb dip in the region of low pressures exceeds the broadening at high pressures by a factor of 4 and 5 for the self- and N2-broadening CO R(9) transition. Moreover, much smaller line shifts for both self- and N2-broaden Lamb dips were observed, which was also attributed to the decrease in the number of scattered molecules in the interaction and the increasing attracting forces.
A quantum study of argon induced line mixing in ammonia doublets
Authors: Thibault Franck , Viel Alexandra , Boulet Christian
Published: February 2023

We present a theoretical study of pressure broadening and coupling coefficients for selected doublets of the ν
4 band of ammomia in argon bath. Generalized spectroscopic kinetic energy dependent cross sections are determined quantum mechanically making use of available NH3-Ar potential energy surfaces. Thermally averaged values at various temperatures are also provided. Results are in overall good agreement with data available in the literature. A further study focusses on the speed dependence of the corresponding line shape parameters. The pressure broadening coefficients are found to have a well marked speed dependence while the intradoublet coupling terms show a small speed dependence at room temperature.
Addressing the effect of oscillating electric fields on Stark profiles by computer simulations
Authors: Hannachi I , Stamm R , Rosato J , Marandet Y
Published: February 2023

Oscillating electric fields are present in many different kinds of plasmas and can modify the radiated line shape. An accurate characterization of their effect is difficult since they act simultaneously with the fluctuating microfield of the electrons and ions. We propose to address these simultaneous effects by a computer simulation of the plasma particles motion coupled to a numerical integration of the Schrödinger equation. We discuss here the role of ion dynamics on the effect of oscillating fields, and the different situations which can be investigated by this approach: fixed or sampled oscillating electric field magnitude, fixed direction or randomly oriented oscillating field.
Spectral line shape for plasma electron density characterization in capillary tubes
Authors: Arjmand S , Anania M P , Biagioni A , Costa G , Di Pirro G , Ferrario M , Del Franco M , Galletti M , Del Giorno M , Lollo V , Pellegrini D , Pompili R , Zigler A
Published: February 2023

We report the experimental activity on the plasma-discharge capillary tubes suitable for plasma-based accelerators (PBAs) carried out at the SPARC LAB (sources for plasma accelerators and compton with laser and beam) test-facility. A high-voltage discharge is produced inside a Hydrogen-filled capillary tube. Through spectroscopic techniques, the density of the plasma thus produced is monitored either spatially or temporally through the line Stark broadening profiles.
Comb-assisted cavity ring-down spectroscopy for ultra-sensitive traceable measurements of water vapour in ultra-high purity gases
Authors: Fasci E , D’Agostino V , Khan M A , Gravina S , Porzio G , Gianfrani L , Castrillo A
Published: February 2023

We report on the development of a comb-assisted cavity ring-down spectrometer for trace water mole fraction determinations in high purity gases. By tuning the laser light in coincidence with a H2O absorption line at 1.3946 µm, we were able to determine sub-ppm relative concentrations of water vapour in N2 with a sub-percent statistical uncertainty. The sensitivity of the spectrometer was carefully assessed, yielding a detection limit of about 2 nmol/mol.